Electrical Woes

[CaptainJB]

Went down to my 2002 - 356 today and found my A/C power was out

My air conditioner, battery charger, outlets etc. were non functional

The indicator light on the A/C master switch was barely visible, not a bright light as normal

Did the basic trouble shooting to ensure the dock power was okay. Unfortunately it was....... I also checked the connection at the panel with a meter, there is 110 volts present at the main panel, it just doesn't go anywhere

Next to the main A/C power switch there is a linear voltage meter. It also reads 110 when I throw the power switch on. However, as I said earlier, the small red indicator light glows ever so dimly. I should add the reverse polarity light is not on, so I know the power is there and there are no polarity issues

I called Freedom Marine the manufacturer of the inverter/charger to see what affect it might be having on the system, but once they heard the air conditioning wasn't working they said it probably wasn't the inverter/charger because the air conditioning system is not wired thru the inverter charger.

Anyone have any ideas?

I see there is a little device, kind of looks like a diode wired in the a A/C circuit called a "TRIPACK" does anyone know what that does?

Looking for suggestions, I'm traveling to see my grandchildren next week and need to get this fixed. Can't leave the boat in the water without the charger because it ensures there is power should the bilge pump suddenly need to run for an extended period of time

Appreciate any advice

Thanks

John

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Did you check the fuses in the shore power panel?

Did you also verify the GFCIs are not tripped?

 

[CaptainJB]

No I did not check the GFCI's. I did not think of that, I will check 1st thing in AM

I did not know there were fuses in the shore panel, just a single circuit breaker, which I checked even cycled on and off

I am looking at the schematic supplied with the boat and I do not see any fuses shown
but I will look. Are the fuses clearly visible or are they behind the panel?

Thanks for your suggestions Don

 

[Mark Ferrick]

Tripack

Looks like an AC circuit TRIPACK could be a 3 phase full bridge rectifier, the basic part of turning AC in DC. See http://www.datasheetarchive.com/datasheet-pdf/054/DSA006229.html
for full details.
Why did you focus on that part, does it look burnt / smell / anything? Can you attach the schematic you are looking at ( via scanning or picture ) . How about a picture of this tripack.

 

[CaptainJB]

I have attached the schematic I am using

The Tripack is circled in red

It is a very small solid state part, maybe the size of a small diode

John

 

[Mark Ferrick]

John, I could not make out too much on your attached file so I found and downloaded the 356 manual ( very nice manual, btw).
From what it looks like to the that TRIPACK is probably a diode that will turn on the Reversed Polarity light. With shorepower disconnected and main CB open, you can check the diode with the ohm meter. One probe on each side of the device. One way should read 0, swap the leads the other way should be open. Any numbers on the device (diode)?
The manual says to check CB#1, It should be in the Port cockpit locker. Look at page 63-A2, 63-A10 for the location. Since the main power light is barely on, I would suspect the problem before the main panel, around this CB1.

EDIT; check out these links:
http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=197292
Actually, the Airpax Tripack is part of the circuit breaker assembly. Google it and you will get many results on the part, need to match up the part numbers for the exact function.

Also, page 63C-3 shows that the inverter is also hooked up here. could be a problem with the inverter. You may want to try to disconnect the inverter and see what it looks like.

Hope this helps. Let us know how you are making out.

 

[CaptainJB]

Problem Identified

After a lot of troubleshooting and guidance from you guys and Freedom the charger/inverter manufacturer, the cause of the electrical problem is in fact the charger/inverter It is ill, very ill !

I have removed it an rerouted the wires and everything works, except I do not have a battery charging capability at the moment when connected to dock power.

My decision now is do I replace/repair the inverter charger (replacement cost $1,000.+ or the repair at an estimated $350. - $600.)

Quite frankly I am looking at the option of installing a charger only $200, since I really do not anchor out that much and everything I use at anchor works on 12V DC, with the exception of the microwave, which at best is a marginal device anyway.

I want to thank everyone for their advice it was helpful and educational.

 

[searomer]

I am experiencing a similar problem. I don't know the answer, but I will tell you the little "diode looking part" is not the problem. It is called TRIPACK on the drawing, but it does not refer to that "diode looking part" but rather it referrs to the set of three switches in a single assembly block called TRIPACK. The diode looking part is a surge protector, which is likely not the culpret. Wish I could help further. I'm trying to find and purchase a TRIPACK, but no success yet. Feel free to e-mail bill@rmcfam.org