It can be frustrating when you're out for a camp, and your RV shows an issue. One of the things RV owners may experience while rolling is a converter fan that keeps on turning on and off. Have no idea why this is happening to your converter fan? We've researched this topic, so you don't have to!
Your RV converter fan frequently turns on and off because of any of the following reasons:
- The heat sink is constantly hot
- The converter is draining the RV's batteries
- The required voltage is not met
We will take a closer look into the details of every possible reason why your converter fan is constantly switching on and off. Also, we will tackle solutions to help you fix the issue with your fan so keep reading this post until the end to learn more. With that said, let's jump right into it!
Why Does My RV Converter Fan Turn On & Off Frequently?
A recreational vehicle is a type of trailer that mimics a mini-house. Only that, RV's are houses on wheels. It uses the engine's power and battery to supply the electrical needs of all the appliances you have in your RV.
If you have ever experienced the RV's converter fan frequently turning on and off, it may be a sign of an issue with the battery or the converter itself. Or maybe your converter fan is just doing its job.
Let's dig deeper so you can get to the bottom of this concern.
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The Heat Sink Is Constantly Hot
A few RV trucks use inverters, while RVs with a converter in their system are more common. The converter is responsible for turning 120V of alternating current (AC power) into a 12V of direct current (DC power) so all 12 volts-powered appliances in the RV can run.
One thing that benefits from the RV's converter is the converter fan. Every time the converter is turning AC power to DC, the heat sink connected to the converter heats up. The converter fan's job is to cool it down to prevent the heat from melting the other components nearby.
If the converter fan turns on and off, it's probably because the heat sink is often hot and needs some help from the fan to cool down.
You can unplug or minimize the usage of your 12V appliances, so the heat sink is not constantly hot. This way, you can give your converter fan a break.
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The Converter Is Draining The RV's Batteries
RV converters depend on the RV's batteries during initial installation and every time it's converting AC to DC power.
The amount of power it takes from the batteries is relatively small that if your batteries are new, you wouldn't even realize it. However, if the RV's batteries are already running low, the effect may seem slightly more apparent.
You will notice a few signs, such as the converter fan not working correctly. Other indications of a draining battery are:
- The internal vents do not function properly
- Dimming internal lights after switching on
- Warning lights keep blinking unnecessarily
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Required Voltage Is Not Met
Since the converter turns 120V of AC power into 12V of DC, the converter fan will receive 12 voltage of power. However, not all fans are intended to use only 12 volts.
Some fans should be fed with 24 volts or 17 volts. The fan will not work properly when the required voltage isn't met. When the converter fan is not supplied with the proper amount of voltage, the fan will become prone to mechanical failures and system overheating. If you are using a 24 volts converter fan, and the power supply only produces 12 volts, you will need to use an electronic converter.
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Why Is My RV Converter Fan Not Spinning?
There can be several possible reasons why a converter fan will stop working. If you still qualify for the unit's warranty service, you can hand the job to the professionals instead.
However, if you have no choice but to take care of things by yourself, we've researched the possible causes why your converter fan will not work.
Broken Resistor
There are other parts of the converter besides the converter fan. To locate the problem, you have to take a closer look at each of the unit's resistors.
You will know that a resistor is broken if it has a burnt or charred look. The current will fail to flow when you have a broken resistor since it can no longer send electrical signals, thus, causing the fan to stop working.
The Fan Is Jammed
Your converter fan can have dust and dirt buildup over time if you are not cleaning it regularly. This can cause the fan to get jammed, preventing it from properly working. You need to check the fan for possible dust and dirt buildup to ensure that it isn't the root cause of the problem.
Faulty Input Jack
Another possible reason your converter fan stops working is a faulty input jack. When this happens, you can use non-conductive materials to fix the problem. See if the fan will begin working again after doing so.
Blown Fuse
The fuse is responsible for cutting off the electrical flow if there is a fault in the circuit. This way, the circuit gets protected from threats of overloading due to the severe flow of electric current. It also prevents the other components from experiencing potential burns or meltdowns.
When the fuse is broken, your converter fan will stop functioning. You cannot repair a blown fuse. However, you can always purchase a new one and replace it. You just need to ensure you will get the same type of fuse.
How Do I Troubleshoot A Faulty RV Converter Fan?
Troubleshooting the converter fan before it breaks down is easy when you have the proper knowledge. If this is your first time experiencing a faulty converter fan and you've already checked other possible reasons why it will not work, we've listed down the steps you can follow to troubleshoot it.
What you will need:
- Multimeter
- Safety goggles
- Electrical tools
- Gloves
- Converter's user guide
Disconnect All Power Source
Remove the plug connecting the fan to the converter. If the RV is connected to a shore power, disconnect the RV from the source and turn the generator off. Lastly, unplug the line from the 12v circuit.
Take The Converter Box Out
Many manufacturers build converters that are not intended to be diagnosed nor repaired by the user, so removing the converter case will likely void its warranty. Only try pulling the converter case if you consider yourself a professional in this field.
Locate The Converter Fan
The converter has several parts you need to handle with extreme caution, such as the printed circuit board. If you have to remove the printed circuit board to have access to the converter fan, make sure that you handle the board with care.
Restore The Converter Fan's Power Source
Plug the line again. Check the temperature sensor using a piece of equipment that can produce high temperatures, such as a heat gun or a blow dryer. Use the test meter to track if the required voltage is met.
Once the temperature sensor does not progress, you need to replace it. If it did, yet the fan failed to work correctly, you have to replace the fan.
Converter VS Inverter For RV - Which One To Choose?
Converters and inverters are electrical devices designed to turn one type of electrical power into another. The best choice will depend on your preference and the current your shore power source produces.
A converter turns alternating current into a direct current power, while an inverter works the other way around. If you have a shore power that produces AC, then a converter will be a better choice, but if your initial power is a direct current, you will need an inverter.
Final Thoughts
The fan in an RV's converter is an essential component. That's why keeping it maintained and regularly checked is important. Once you notice the signs that your converter fan is having some issues, do not hesitate to call a professional or fix the problem by yourself before things get worse. After all, you cannot enjoy staying on the road if a part of your RV's component is faulty.
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