Electrical issue - internal lights & fridge

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grumpyoldgit
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Joined: 30 Jul 2008, 04:16
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Electrical issue - internal lights & fridge

Post by grumpyoldgit »

Let me start by saying that I am not technically minded so any answers should be phrased as if talking to a child.

I have a 1983 Devon Moonraker. I have two internal strip lights, one of which is over the sink and looks as though it is original. There is another further back in the van that looks as though it has been there for many years. I also have an Electrolux two way fridge that has just been serviced and now works on gas. Although I am sure the lights were Ok when I first got the van last summer, they seem to be duller now and after brief use they will suddenly fade to a faint glow. I have obtained a further strip light that plugs into the cig lighter and that is really bright.
I tracked down that the lights and fridge are not fused by the box under the parcel shelf but a unit behind the driver.

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There is a white plastic front to the box and a cover that I now realise is made from bits of a plastic milk bottle.
My attention was raised when I realised that if I switched on the electric switch for the fridge, the little black unit below starts making a strangled buzzing noise so I have left it switched off and just use gas.
The white fuse is 8A and controls both circuits. I know this as if the fuse is removed, neither the lights or the fridge will work.
The blue fuse is 25A and I have no idea what it does.
I suspect water has got into the unit at some point. You can see traces of rusty brown at the corners of the unit where the screws go and the terminal that attaches to the blue cable also looks a little corroded at the base.
I have sandpapered the various connections, including the fuse connections and the ends of the fuses.
I have a multimeter that I bought a few years ago but have never really used as I have never had a use for it. I am getting about 7 1/2 volts across the white fuse terminals. By comparison, I get 12 volts from the cig lighter.
I can therefore see roughly where my problem lies but as I know diddly sqat about car electrics, I am now at a loss what to do next.
Bob
Membership Number 5745
1983 Devon Moonraker Camper

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Fritz
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Re: Electrical issue - internal lights & fridge

Post by Fritz »

From what you have told us it appears to simply be a bad connection some where along the line from the battery to the lamp/fridge etc.

Try cleaning or at least checking All joints on the block connectors,,,,, the green furry ones are usually the ones that cause most of the problems. It is also worth cleaning up the the ceramic fuse holders and fuses.


Regards


Fritz,,,,,,,,,,,,
One day you will find me,,
Driving in my Camper,
With a Surf and Paisley wrap on both sides....

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alkers
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Location: Croydon

Re: Electrical issue - Devon internal lights & fridge

Post by alkers »

Hi, did you ever sought this one out. I disconnected my fusebox when I got the van, but hope to have the electrics sorted this year.

From your post I now know that there is an 8A at the front and a 25V at the back.

Does anyone have a wiring diagram for the Devon (1982) so I can find out where these go to? Surely one does the lights, and the other the fridge?!? I really haven't a clue :oops:

Also moving to the front, I am concerned that if I use too much light my leisure battery will die (maybe this was your prob?), and then will try to suck of the main battery. Is this true? And if so is there any way of making the leisure a slave only ie to receive only and not to take. Any diagrams for this?

I am no electrician - but fortunately my dad is and all this would really help.

Thanks! :ok

Red Westie
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Location: Nottingham UK

Re: Electrical issue - internal lights & fridge

Post by Red Westie »

Leisure circuits have a relay that connects the starter and leisure batteries WHEN the engine is running and the alternator is charging. This relay disconnects that connection when the engine is turned off. What this means is...only the leisure battery will go flat, not the starter battery as this will no longer be connected.

Martin
On wings like angels whispers sweet
my heart it feels a broken beat
Touched soul and hurt lay wounded deep
Brown eyes are lost afar now sleep xxHayleyxx

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