The constant stress of the magnetic field during operation of the transformer, eventually wears the varnish down and leaves a space for the metal lamination to move, and thus ‘humming’ results. These pieces are insulated from each other by dipping them in varnish before assembly. Transformer cores are made of a stack of thin sheet metal stamped parts, not a single piece of solid iron. The amount of hum varies with the strength of the magnetic field being produced by electrical demanded in the equipment. The cause of most humming in power supplies is due to the vibration of transformer core ‘laminations’ against each other. This new battery technology weighs less, are they are more efficient than lead acid, with a longer life expectancy, requiring less maintenance even than lithium ion batteries. This is the same type used in the new Dometic Power Pack and upcoming European all-electric motorhome. Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries will likely be the next big thing. But I’m gad we didn’t jump on that bandwagon too soon. These would require a different type of charger/converter, so I’m not about to replace ours quite yet. When we upgraded our RV solar power installation, lithium ion batteries were just catching on in the RV world. Why we’re waiting to replace our converter: Replacement seems rather simple, but we’re holding off on that – because of the evolving battery industry. But if the buzzing gets too bad for you, the final option is to purchase a new power converter. Typically, symptoms of a failing converter may be a loud popping noise or a puff of smoke, but they tend to go out suddenly. Intelli-Power Converter Charger by Progressive Dynamics Attempts to repair the unit by messing around with the components inside could result in a dangerous electronic situation. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the power converter. Do not attempt to service your converter. The problem only occurs when connected to shore power, never when boondocking (since the converter is not engaged) so another option is to simply unplug.Ģ. I have discovered that if the noise creeps back with lights on, turning one off will stop it again. The most simple solution is to apply load to the converter when the noise becomes bothersome. We likely had the same issue in our previous Artic Fox, but the converter was mounted in a much less accessible location so I never noticed it.Īfter reviewing various RVing forum discussions about converter noise, I realized this effect is quite common – with all converters, but especially aging ones – and that there is really nothing you can do about. There are many reports from RVers who have gone through multiple converters, replacing them only to discover the next one also hummed, only at a slightly different pitch. Loose connections and poor lamination in the transformer cores are common, and weak component mountings can also create vibration noises when there is no DC load. When connected to shore power, the converter is powering your DC circuit, which powers the lighting. It’s apparently related to the operating frequency of the electronic components inside. So, what is happening and what can I do about it? The noise is inherent to the design of these power converters. Intelli-Power RV Converter/Charger How to Fix RV Converter Noise After troubleshooting the Intelli-Power PD9200, I determined it was functioning properly, just noisy. Upon closer inspection, I discovered it was not the cooling fan, but a distinct electronic buzz that ceased the second I turned on an overhead light. Our Intelli-Power Converter Charger was buzzing. Once I read a couple articles about RV converter humming noises, the next time I heard that hum I took the vent off a cabinet that contains ours and confirmed exactly that. Determined to figure out the cause, a quick search for RV humming noise led me to the answer. I soon discovered that turning lights on or off would cease the noise when it got too annoying. I was certain the radio caused humming sound, and figured we had a grounding issue somewhere. It still doesn’t even seem to bother Rene, but she spends many of her days pounding metal on the jewelry bench I built when converting our bunkhouse RV into her workshop. I wouldn’t hear it for weeks, then the faint buzzing would start up infrequently again. I first noticed it a couple years after we purchased the rig used. I spent months trying to figure out where the whine was coming from in our 2010 Arctic Fox fifth wheel. That sporadic high-pitch buzzing noise can be heard in RVs of all makes and models. If you’ve been RVing full-time for much time at all, chances are you’ve heard it.
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