Where is the circuit breaker located in my motorhome?
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If you've ever been in a motorhome and don't know where the circuit breaker is, this guide will help you find it.
An electrical problem in your RV (RV, trailer, RV, etc.) may prompt you to check the RV circuit breaker. If it works, you must know exactly where it is in order to turn it on or replace it. Also, if the problem is with one specific part of the rig, you will need to know which switch is responsible for it, as there are several minor ones.
To find the circuit breakers in your RV, look for the RV switch panel. Usually it is located on the wall near the floor and is covered with a plastic sheet. It can be behind or under the refrigerator, bed, closet or pantry. In some RVs, it will be hidden inside a closet or external storage compartment. Once discovered, you can start solving a specific problem.
Finding switches shouldn't be difficult, but you may also need to know how to deal with a particular situation involving one of them.
Van Switch Panels
Motorhome circuit breakers are inside the switch panel, so you need to know where the panel is in the first place.
The panel is usually located at a low level closer to the floor on one of the walls. However, it is usually kept out of sight, hidden behind or even under something. It can be a refrigerator, a bed, a closet or a pantry. Some RVs have it hidden inside one of the cabinets, or you can find it in an external storage compartment.
If you're still unsure or can't find it:
- If it's an old motorhome, look under the floor of the car.
- Have you looked inside cabinets and outside compartments to make sure it's not behind any appliance?
- Look in your car owner's manual if you still can't find it. In some RVs, you may find it in an unexpected location, such as under the steering wheel or inside the cargo center surface.
You must know in advance where the switch panel is located so that you can solve any electrical problem as soon as it occurs.
Motorhome circuit breakers
Like all circuit breakers, the RV circuit breaker is also designed to interrupt the power supply in the event of a sudden power surge.
This helps protect people from electric shock. It also protects the rig from damage or fire due to a malfunction in the electrical system. When a switch trips, something must be causing it, so you will need to investigate that as well. Or, if there is a power loss in some part of the rig, the switch may need to be replaced.
Inside the switch panel you will find:
- The main switch (110V) controls all power.
- Several small switches, usually 12 volts, for various devices and appliances in your motorhome.
- Power pole, an external switch for use as an additional power source, is provided at some campsites and RV parks.
- Fuses for specific devices and plugins.
Below, I've covered some of the common problems that can arise so you know how to deal with them.
Common Problems with RV Circuit Breakers
Before you think the problem is with your motorhome, make sure there is no power outage in the area and that the pole switch has not tripped. Typically, you will only need to access the RV's switch panel if one of the switches inside it has tripped or is not working.
Be careful when reclosing the breaker as you will be working in a high voltage area. If you need to fiddle more inside the switch panel, make sure the main power switch is turned off first.
Here are some common problems that cause an RV breaker to trip:
Overloaded circuit – If you have multiple devices or devices on the same circuit and the switch trips, turn it on again, but this time use fewer devices. If household appliances include a microwave oven, air conditioner, or other high-energy appliance, they must be connected to a dedicated (not shared) circuit.
Damaged cord or outlet – If you notice any damage to the cord or outlet, you must first fix the problem or replace it before turning the switch back on.
Short circuit – If there is a short circuit in the appliance, the problem is with the appliance, not with the switch. Turn the switch back on but check the appliance before using it again.
Bad switch – If there is no apparent reason for tripping, the circuit breaker may need to be replaced. Do this only after turning off the main power supply.
If the problem is not a shutdown, but a loss of power while the switch is on, the switch may be faulty. In this case, you may have to test and replace it entirely.
Summing up
This article was about how to find the location of circuit breakers in your motorhome.
You will find them in the switch panel. You should know where it is in case one of their trips doesn't work out. The panel is usually on a wall close to the floor, often covered with a plastic sheet. It can be behind or under the refrigerator, bed, closet or pantry.
However, in some RVs, it may be hidden in an unexpected place. See the section on van switch panels above for the best place to look.
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