Monaco 2002 Diplomat Service Manual page 217

WARNING: This panel contains high voltage which can
cause serious injury or death. Before beginning any work or test-
ing procedures involving the electric panels, or any of the
branch circuits, be sure the motorhome is unplugged from
shore power, the generator is not running and the inverter is
in the OFF position. Certain testing procedures can
require the AC power to be on. Only qualified personnel
with electrical backgrounds should attempt any testing proce-
dures.
Branch circuit breakers supply AC power to the different items or "loads."
An electrical load is any item or device that will use current when supplied
with an electromotive force. Should a breaker "trip" from over current use, or
a short circuit condition, the load to which the breaker is supplying the electro-
motive force should be reviewed or disconnected to determine the cause of the
trip. If no cause is found, or not readily apparent, reset the breaker by toggling
the breaker to the OFF position, then back to ON. Should the breaker trip
again after the load is reapplied it may indicate a fault with that particular
load.
Do not continue to reset breaker until the problem has been diagnosed
and corrected.
Breaker current ratings are current set points in which the breaker is
designed to operate. The internal configuration of the circuit breaker is
designed to trip when excess current is drawn through the breaker. The trip
action of the circuit breaker can occur within milliseconds due to the speed at
which electricity can travel. Breaker ratings are set to operate on a continuous
load at 80% of the breaker's rated capacity. For example: A breaker with a 20
Amp rating will handle a continuous load of 16 Amps. This designed set point
is when an inductive load is applied, such as when an electric motor turns on.
As the motor starts to spin current consumption may momentarily exceed the
rated capacity of the breaker. As the electric motor comes up to operating
speed the electric motor's current consumption will fall. The AC current load
then falls back into the breaker's rated 80% set point. This electric principle
should be kept in mind when using anything other than 50 Amp shore service
and using appliances with electric motors.
When using outlets, care should be considered when applying loads such as
electric motors, heaters, coffee makers, toasters, hair dryer or other large current
consuming loads. If the current rating of a load is not known it is usually stated
on most electrical items. The rating will either be in amps or watts.
Current ratings stated on electrical items will change slightly with voltage
fluctuations. As voltage increases current consumption decreases. As voltage
decreases current consumption increases. This may explain why in some
instances items operated at borderline voltage to current tolerances may seem
fine in one location, but problematic in another.
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D I P L O M A T
Electrical Systems - House
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