Mysterious Voltage February 21, 2024, 12:23:55 pm Good Morning -I'm now in the phase of the solar upgrade where I am connecting loads/chargers to the busbars.There is an existing 2 gauge red wire that I think supplies power to the generator. Even with all power in the system shut off, and even with the chassis battery disconnected, there is about 40 volts between this wire and the chassis ground. I was expecting there to be no voltage on this wire. I would like to cut this wire shorter and install a new lug before I secure it to the positive busbar.Can anyone explain this?Scratching my head,Tim
Re: Mysterious Voltage Reply #1 – February 21, 2024, 02:04:12 pm There should be no source of 40-volts DC, the only exception I can think of is if your solar panels are wired in series for a 24-volt solar input. A 24-volt system input should have a 36-40-volt input. I assume shore power has also been disconnected.Beyond that, do you have another voltmeter to verify the reading?Larry
Re: Mysterious Voltage Reply #2 – February 21, 2024, 02:14:17 pm Electricity leaks.It does not say inside of or outside of shielded wires.Two wires running parallel , even for just a few feet, can pick up electrical current and then carry it down the wire.It sounds like you can’t trace the wire. Can you do a continuity test to confirm the other end (eg generator end)?Are you saying this is a 2awg wire? That is very large and there should not be many in the RV.
Re: Mysterious Voltage Reply #3 – February 21, 2024, 02:26:39 pm Folks,I'm afraid I have to admit that I was misreading my multimeter. I was missing the little "mV" right after the number. I've gone ahead and cut the wire.I guess I'll have to go ahead and get that cataract surgery, sooner rather than later!So sorry for the noise - thank you for your kind responses.Tim
Re: Mysterious Voltage Reply #4 – February 21, 2024, 04:04:41 pm "I guess I'll have to go ahead and get that cataract surgery..."Well, yes, it's hard to see mV (millivolt) on some meters! Glad you realize a few millivolts is not dangerous. Caution is ever a good practice! It's not fun to get zapped, ask me how I know! As to the cataract surgery, go for it! It's a simple procedure for which you'll be thankful later.
Re: Mysterious Voltage Reply #5 – February 21, 2024, 04:45:35 pm Cataract Surgery is sort of off topic, but would be a valid separate one....
Re: Mysterious Voltage Reply #6 – February 21, 2024, 06:09:26 pm "Cataract Surgery is sort of off topic,...""Off topic" or not it remains a fact that without cataract surgery (provided free from the VA) I would have lost a lot of pleasure by not being able to work on my Lazy Daze as long as I did! 2 Likes