RVs generally run off of two types of power, 120-volt AC and 12-volt DC. 12-volt AC power uses fuses much like house electricity. These fuses are located in a metal panel located near where the power starts in an RV. DC power can also run off circuit breakers. Getting rid of the old fuses and going to a circuit breaker is a nice upgrade that can even add value to your RV. It's a whole lot easier to flip a switch than to have to replace a fuse. You can buy a new panel at a marine store or some RV shops.
Step 1
Remove each wire from its corresponding fuse if the fuse panel is not part of the converter/charger unit. Be sure to label for polarity and fuse valve.
Step 2
Hook up the new breaker panel in reverse order. Make sure you use the same fuse valve as the breaker valve.
Step 3
Set up the panel yourself using breakers if the fuse panel is part of the converter/charger unit. Turn the shore power off to disconnect the main "hot" supply lead from the fuse block.
Step 4
Run the "hot" supply lead to the new breaker panel. Try to keep the distance as short as possible.
Step 5
Draw new leads from the breaker panel back to each of the circuits the breakers supply. Make sure to keep the panel is closed. The farther they run the more the voltage drops and could cause equipment failure or even a fire.
References
- Livingston, Bob. "Trailer LIfe's RV Repair and Maintenance Manual." Trailer Life. 2007
Writer Bio
Sara Hickman owns a preschool science-based entertainment business in the Greater Cincinnati area. She has a bachelor's degree in communication and psychology from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point.
