240v connection query (1 Viewer)

[thIOM]

I connected the mains cable to the van today for the first time since I got it, as I noticed that the red light was flashing on the control panel to warn me that the leisure battery is low. After connecting the mains lead the control panel does not indicate that the power is connected and the lights and step will not operate. The red light continues to flash, but does go out if I start the engine. Presumably the alternator is sending current to the battery but I assume the 240v connection isn't. I have checked the safety cut out switch, which is in the on position, so this is not the issue. I have also checked the Electroblock (EBL99) and looked at the "batterie" switch but the manual does not make it clear what position that should be in. I presume it was in the right position as the step worked when I put it down, from the leisure battery and I am not aware that it has been touched since. Any ideas, please?

 

[pappajohn]

Check the charger is turned on and working.
Some have an on/off switch somewhere on the charger body.

If you have a volt meter connect it accross the leisure battery and note voltage.
Plug in ehu and check voltage at battery again.
It should now read around 13.6v.
If not, check all MAINS breakers in the 230v fuse box.
Mains breakers should be UP for on.....the only UK switches which are the safest way round.

 

[jezport]

The Ebl99 has a connection via a plug in power lead the same as on a kettle or computer, check its plugged in and then if you have no joy, try plugging it directly into the power using a kettle lead.

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[thIOM]

I have spent a frustrating day on this and still have no idea what could be wrong. The EHU is in securely and power appears to be coming past the safety cut out as there is a lamp in the living area that is wired straight off the power supply that works. When the safety cut out is in the off position, it does not. I have checked the EBL99 and the power connection is secure and there is no obvious on/off switch. The leisure battery charged up to just over 12 volts when I ran the engine for a while but has now discharged to the level where the red light flashes on the panel above the door. The green light on the 230v indicator is not on. I have checked the fuses on the electroblock. Initially the 20amp open fuse which the manual says is the internal charger was blown, but I changed this with no result. All battery connections are secure. The previous owner had a new battery installed about 3 weeks ago... I am beginning to think that this might have something to do with it. He insists that it all worked previously and my instinct is to believe him. I am also beginning to think that the issue is the EBL99 itself, unless something is happening between the safety cut out and it to prevent power reaching it. Are there any fuses in the line between the safety switch and electroblock or between the EB and leisure battery and control panel above the door?

 

[jezport]

Can you check you have mains coming upto the EBL

 

[thIOM]

Can you check you have mains coming upto the EBL

I think power is going in but I will check this in the morning. My suspicions are that the EBL is fried but best not make any assumptions until I have more facts... The previous owner assures me that it was working OK and I have no reason to doubt this. The recent new battery might be in the mix somewhere.

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[JeanLuc]

I agree that it sounds as if the EBL 99 is faulty. The fact that a battery was changed recently raises my suspicion. If the process was not carried out correctly that could have caused a failure of the EBL.
Before going any further, is the EBL switched on at its front panel? The rocker switch towards the left should be in the up position 'Batterie Ein'. Then, if the EBL has been shut down at this switch, the 12v switch on the control panel above the door needs to be switched on, off and on again to reset the system. Also, has the battery type been changed in the recent replacement? Check that the battery selector switch on the right hand side of the EBL front panel is on the correct setting (either lead-acid or gel).
However, I suspect that the problem is with the EBL charging regime and you may need to email Udo Lang at Schaudt for advice udo.lang@schaudt-gmbh.de

 

[Minxy]

Just a curve ball here ... have you checked the wiring on your EHU lead to make sure it's not got reverse polarity etc as I believe some control panels will flag this up and therefore not allow charging.

 

[Minxy]

It would also be interesting to know why the battery was changed ... if it was dead due to not being charged it would indicate that there was already a fault before you bought it therefore you could go back to him for rectification and/or whoever put the battery in.

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[JeanLuc]

Have you got the EBL 99 manual? If not, there is one in the resources section http://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/resources/schaudt-electrobloc-ebl-99-g-instruction-manual.144/

 

[thIOM]

Have you got the EBL 99 manual? If not, there is one in the resources section http://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/resources/schaudt-electrobloc-ebl-99-g-instruction-manual.144/

Thanks but I downloaded that today and read it through. It convinced me that the fault could lie with the EBL. I very much doubt that the battery was installed in accordance with the correct procedure and I also need to check whether the new Oldham battery is acid or gel. Nothing on the visible face of it to indicate anything. I will test the current coming to the EBL power connector tomorrow and email Schaudt. Take it from there. I have just over 4 weeks to fix it.

 

[jezport]

Schaudt do turn around repairs quickly

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[Minxy]

I also need to check whether the new Oldham battery is acid or gel. Nothing on the visible face of it to indicate anything.

Not sure what Oldham battery you have but according to this link they can't be shipped as they are acid:

https://www.csautoelectricalpartsuk...dham-type-685al-leisure-battery-12v-75ah.html

 

[thIOM]

Not sure what Oldham battery you have but according to this link they can't be shipped as they are acid:

https://www.csautoelectricalpartsuk...dham-type-685al-leisure-battery-12v-75ah.html

Your mind is working the same way as mine! I also saw that, but I have had all day to ponder and research it..

But just thought again. The battery that was changed was the starter battery.. the same reference to acid though.

 

[TheCaller]

Just a curve ball here ... have you checked the wiring on your EHU lead to make sure it's not got reverse polarity etc as I believe some control panels will flag this up and therefore not allow charging.

I would be very surprised if a van fitted with an EBL cared about reverse polarity.

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[TheCaller]

try plugging it directly into the power using a kettle lead.

This is a good suggestion. Raid the kettle lead from the kitchen, run an extension lead from the house to the van & plug the lead directly into the EBL & see if it works then.

That blown 20A fuse doesn't bode well though.

 

[Minxy]

I would be very surprised if a van fitted with an EBL cared about reverse polarity.

Some control panels alert to the fact of a reverse polarity so if they aren't 'bothered' it begs the question why they would show it in the first place.

 

[TheCaller]

Some control panels alert to the fact of a reverse polarity so if they aren't 'bothered' it begs the question why they would show it in the first place.

Yes, but have you seen a combination of such a control panel & an EBL?

An EBL implies a continental van & continental vans are built to accept reverse polarity without an issue. If any UK converters are using EBLs, then I agree with you that it is a possibility.

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[Minxy]

Yes, but have you seen a combination of such a control panel & an EBL?

An EBL implies a continental van & continental vans are built to accept reverse polarity without an issue. If any UK converters are using EBLs, then I agree with you that it is a possibility.

I'm not bothered about it to be honest, it was just a suggestion as to a possible item to check out before going down the expensive replacement etc route ... if it proves not to be true, that's fine, but no harm in mentioning it no matter how small the chance.

 

[Minxy]

internet hiccup!

 

[pappajohn]

Some control panels alert to the fact of a reverse polarity so if they aren't 'bothered' it begs the question why they would show it in the first place.

Paranoia !

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[thIOM]

Further investigation this morning reveals that power is definitely going to the EBL but nothing appears to be coming out. I am going to email Schaudt technical guy and see what he comes up with but I think I have concluded that the EBL is faulty. Leisure battery reading across the poles today was 8.5 volts so I think this is going to be a replacement item too. Running the alternator yesterday produced a brief 12 volt reading in the battery and enabled me to turn on the lights and retract the step but as soon as the engine was turned off the voltage dropped away and everything was again dead. I have run out of ideas apart from replacing the EBL but we will see what Schaudt advise. No specialists for this type of work here and taking a trip across on the ferry means a bill of £300 + fuel before I even get it looked at..

 

[Manic]

Maybe worth switching EBL master switch off and on a few times because I seem to think somebody had a problem when the switch had been used, e.g. Dirty contacts.

 

[JeanLuc]

The switch does have a tendency to fail but it will not be the cause of the present symptoms. The batteries are still charged when the switch is off.

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[jezport]

If you can disconnect the ebl yourself you can mail it off to schaudt as I did on my last van. Take photos of the plugs if you are at all unsure.

 

[thIOM]

I spoke to Apuljack Engineering this morning and had a useful conversation about the EBL issue. After this I spent a rather frustrating couple of hours trying to remove the EBL from it's resting place inside the side storage compartment on the passenger side of the MH. I began to realise that removal was not part of the design brief. This, and the control panel are now winging their way to Apuljack, as I type. Cost of repair is fixed at £166, plus VAT plus postage. This morning the Schaudt LR1218 solar controller turned up at my door and I will be ordering a 140w solar panel. I might as well install the whole lot when the EBL returns. I also need a new Leisure Battery. At least I will know when I leave on my April holiday that the electrical system is sound and will be properly charged. I have learned quite a bit about the Hymer in the last few days

 

[Manic]

Be interesting if Apuljack report back what the fault was.

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[thIOM]

They will let me know and I will report it on, just in case it can help someone else.

 

[pilatesinavan]

@thlOM
Just interested to know you fix please.

 

[BusyBuilder]

Why not fit 2 batteries ? Is it a B544 you have ?

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