prettywoman0172
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Post by prettywoman0172 on Feb 16, 2016 6:31:56 GMT -8
My 67 Frolic has the old glass fuses. The electric appears to work fine with the trailer plugged into an extension cord. I asked how to replace the, and where to buy them on a Facebook page and was told to replace the fuses with a circuit breaker box. I will need to hire an electrician for that and would honestly prefer not to change it. Mobiltec says don't fix what isn't broken. It's not broken. Why are these converted? For safety? Convenience? This camper was used as a full time residence in a camp ground at one time so the electric was probably used a lot safely...if that matters.
Thanks!
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kirkadie
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Post by kirkadie on Feb 16, 2016 6:44:25 GMT -8
Your glass fuses should be fine; the big difference between them and modern breakers is convenience. If you have a short, your glass fuse will self destruct, saving your circuits, but will need replaced. With a circuit breaker, it will pop off, but can be reset. Just carry a few spare fuses and you'll be fine.
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Ten
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Post by Ten on Feb 16, 2016 7:09:31 GMT -8
Another modern day addition you could add is a surge protector. They are sold at Camping World, etc, and I know they are not cheap, but considering what you are protecting... They are made to plug between the campground electrical hookup and your trailer's cord. I can't say for sure but would think that adding one in line would help to protect your fuses as well as everything past them.
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prettywoman0172
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Post by prettywoman0172 on Feb 16, 2016 7:23:43 GMT -8
Another question - my panel says 30 amp(125-250v). Does that mean 30 amp total (15 each fuse) or 30 amp each fuse? The fuses that are in it right now are 30 amp each.
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kirkadie
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Post by kirkadie on Feb 16, 2016 7:59:34 GMT -8
30 amp total, and use a power cord rated at 30 amps too. It's plug will be different that an ordinary extension cord.
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prettywoman0172
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Post by prettywoman0172 on Feb 16, 2016 8:02:53 GMT -8
The fuses that ar win it now,, which is the way I got it, are 30 amp each. I will get 15 amp fuses today. The extension cord is a heavy orange one that my dad had. Not sure if it is a 30amp or not. I'll look at cords when I get the fuses.
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Feb 16, 2016 8:04:13 GMT -8
IF you end up removing your skins to do work on your trailer, it's good idea to inspect your wiring. If for some reason it should need replacing, then do an upgrade and get the new box with breakers. Replacing the breaker box is not difficult. What does your inlet socket look like where you plug into the trailer? Is it a modern 30 amp configuration?
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chriss
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Post by chriss on Feb 16, 2016 8:43:04 GMT -8
The fuses that ar win it now,, which is the way I got it, are 30 amp each. I will get 15 amp fuses today. The extension cord is a heavy orange one that my dad had. Not sure if it is a 30amp or not. I'll look at cords when I get the fuses. 30 amp sounds like it's overfused. I'm guessing your wire is 14ga, so 15a max on that circuit. As a rule, the wiring upstream should have appropriate fuse protection. If a 10ga power cord is used to supply your trailer, then the shore power fuse should be 30amp or less. I can't see any reason a 30a would be in the trailer. I think someone got lazy. There is nothing wrong with fuses. They are safe when used correctly. However, the primary reason they are no longer in homes is they were too easy to defeat. |
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prettywoman0172
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Post by prettywoman0172 on Feb 16, 2016 9:50:18 GMT -8
I did it! Replaced with 2 15amp fuses. Heater, small fan, and two lamps are on...so far ok
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prettywoman0172
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Post by prettywoman0172 on Feb 16, 2016 10:01:27 GMT -8
How important is the extension cord when it is plugged into the house? I am using a heavy orange cord, but Im pretty sure its not a 10 ga / 30 amp cord
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chriss
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Post by chriss on Feb 16, 2016 15:39:27 GMT -8
How important is the extension cord when it is plugged into the house? I am using a heavy orange cord, but Im pretty sure its not a 10 ga / 30 amp cord If you are running a heater and you are using a cord 25ft or more, I recommend at least a 12ga. Most heavy duty cords are 12 and 14ga. If you just run lights or fans, you can use any medium duty cord you have. The house breaker protects the outlet the cord plugs into, as well as your trailer. |
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prettywoman0172
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Post by prettywoman0172 on Feb 16, 2016 16:28:23 GMT -8
Thanks everyone
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Paul B
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Post by Paul B on Feb 28, 2016 10:20:49 GMT -8
Can you post a picture of your electrical panel? There is an alternative to glass fuses. There are breakers that will replace glass fuses. Any good hardware store should carry them. Best, Paul B  |
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Post by bigbill on Feb 28, 2016 20:43:34 GMT -8
Feel your supply cord if it feels warm that tells you it is too light and you need a heavier cord. Also if you notice the lights dimming when your heater kicks on you might also need a heavier cord.
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