Electrics seem to be failing in Italy

PlymBob

PlymBob

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It’s a Possl/Globecar Summit Prime 540 (Ducato PVC), not yet 2 years old (warranty expires in 2 months).

Problem started with electrics control panel (PC220) reporting engine starter battery only having 0.1v while leisure batteries (twin lithium, 2 solars on the roof) had healthy 13.6v. Yet no problem starting engine.

Then the EHU failed, tripping the supply post on the campsite and also the Automatic Circuit Breaker in the van.

Now the Victron combined inverter/charger (multiplus) has failed. Yet it was definitely working in inverter mode this morning (kettle & toaster).

And the spark ignition for the gas hob has got stuck sparking much of the day…

The people who supplied and fitted the Victron inverter and also the AMT12-2 trickle charge module (topping up the engine starter battery from the leisure batteries) want to charge me to investigate. A bit difficult at the moment since I’m half way down Italy and they’re in Plymouth.

Any ideas about what I should be looking at and where I might find it? I’m not an expert but can follow (simple) instructions.

I'm beginning to think heading back to Plymouth is the only way to go. Had hoped to reach Sicily and continue on for another month or so...
 
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From my basic knowledge, the sparker on the gas hob is normally activated by pressing the knob in, gently trying pulling the knob out to see if it stops, if not normally a 12 volt connection under the hob or fuse to stop it. I normally find multiple failures is due to an earth fault or a main fuse blowing on a batttery. I always suspicious of 13.6v as a float setting on a charger that may not be connected fully to a battery. Sorry I am not familiar with your van or muiltplus, but would start with a meter checking across all the connections from lithium and starter battery. I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will be along soon.
 
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I am no expert in any way, but am confused as to why you are using EHU when you are also using an inverter and solar power?
Just an observation, but I would have thought that basically the solar is replenishing the leisure batteries and the B2B is is continuing to keep the engine battery topped up, as it as you say, starts OK.
What is the EHU connected for?
 
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Captain Yoghurtpot said:
I am no expert in any way, but am confused as to why you are using EHU when you are also using an inverter and solar power?
Click to expand...
Quite normal with a Multiplus, the inverter and mains work together when you need a higher load than the mains can supply.
 
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It does sound like something has failed and started a chain reaction that has spread to other parts.

I would start by switch everything off including the EHU and solar panels if you have a switch on the panels and see if things are stable in that condition.

And then try things one at a time to see what you have. It is amazing how you can still enjoy the holiday with only a few of the basics working. - and you may be lucky - the gremlin has gone away.

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Normally your mains input should feed directly into the Multiplus after the RCD and MCB in the distribution unit.

Which circuit breaker has tripped, the RCD, the MCB on the input side or the RCD/RCBO from the output of the MULTIPLUS?
For the mains to supply the van all need to be on as the mains s will be via the Multiplus mains bypass.
. Also if the Multiplus does not have 12v to it you will not get any mains to the van.
Have you checked the fuse that supplied the Multiplus?

The hob ignition probably an independant problem.
The panel problem could be unrelated or may have had a mains spike that has damaged the electronics.
The Multiplus will protect against under and over voltage but not spikes.

I would disconnect the EHU make sure the Multiplus has a 12v feed, turn the Multiplus switch off make sure all circuit breakers are on then turn multiplus on to inverter mode and pray.
 
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Lenny HB said:
Quite normal with a Multiplus, the inverter and mains work together when you need a higher load than the mains can supply.
Click to expand...
Thank You Lenny for the reply, but I am at a loss as to why you would need more power than the mains can supply.
Understand that some sites in UK and Europe are supplied at lower than 16amp, but surely that is what the solar and twin lithiums are installed for , once charged, to deliver a high power supply via the inverter, and turn off the EHU.
Unless the batteries have been depleted to such a point due to the solar not doing its job, or the EHU supply being slow to charge them up, but seems to me that this system wants the best of both worlds at the same time.
I thought the whole idea of fitting Lithium and Solar was to remove the necessity of reliance on mains power and thus provide greater freedom for travels.
What sort of power-hungry devices are some people taking with them?
Welding equipment perhaps?? :unsure::roflmto:
 
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Captain Yoghurtpot said:
Europe are supplied at lower than 16amp
Click to expand...
3 amp not uncommon in Italy, the norm in Europe is 5 or 6 amp & you pay extra for 10 amp.
Captain Yoghurtpot said:
What sort of power-hungry devices are some people taking with them?
Click to expand...
We use an electric kettle, air fryer & induction hob, even with a big lithium bank you still need sunshine for it to work.

We kitted out with Lithium because we spend 90%+ of our camping off grid and are careful what we use if there is no sun.
Others often do it just for weight saving.
 
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Lenny HB said:
3 amp not uncommon in Italy, the norm in Europe is 5 or 6 amp & you pay extra for 20 amp.

We use an electric kettle, air fryer & induction hob, even with a big lithium bank you still need sunshine for it to work.

We kitted out with Lithium because we spend 90%+ of out camping off grid and are careful what we use if there is no sun.
Others often do it just for weight saving.
Click to expand...
We have a 100amp supply at home, so 30 on our van doesn't seem excessive because we'd like it to be as convenient and use decent quality appliances rather than low wattage camping stuff, so as technology advances and it becomes possible why not? I don't miss filling the oil lamp we used on our first boat even though it was traditional!
 
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Captain Yoghurtpot said:
I am no expert in any way, but am confused as to why you are using EHU when you are also using an inverter and solar power?
Just an observation, but I would have thought that basically the solar is replenishing the leisure batteries and the B2B is is continuing to keep the engine battery topped up, as it as you say, starts OK.
What is the EHU connected for?
Click to expand...
EHU when it's there, inverter when it's not. Sometimes I'm at a campsite, sometimes I'm not. No EHU, use inverter. Now no inverter or EHU.
 
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LithiumConvert said:
It does sound like something has failed and started a chain reaction that has spread to other parts.

I would start by switch everything off including the EHU and solar panels if you have a switch on the panels and see if things are stable in that condition.

And then try things one at a time to see what you have. It is amazing how you can still enjoy the holiday with only a few of the basics working. - and you may be lucky - the gremlin has gone away.
Click to expand...
Don't know how to switch off EHU or solar panels? Also would be reluctant to switch solar panels off in case they didn't come back on again. Yes, I know I'm now getting paranoid about it all
 
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Lenny HB said:
Normally your mains input should feed directly into the Multiplus after the RCD and MCB in the distribution unit.

Which circuit breaker has tripped, the RCD, the MCB on the input side or the RCD/RCBO from the output of the MULTIPLUS?
For the mains to supply the van all need to be on as the mains s will be via the Multiplus mains bypass.
. Also if the Multiplus does not have 12v to it you will not get any mains to the van.
Have you checked the fuse that supplied the Multiplus?

The hob ignition probably an independant problem.
The panel problem could be unrelated or may have had a mains spike that has damaged the electronics.
The Multiplus will protect against under and over voltage but not spikes.

I would disconnect the EHU make sure the Multiplus has a 12v feed, turn the Multiplus switch off make sure all circuit breakers are on then turn multiplus on to inverter mode and pray.
Click to expand...
I only have one dual circuit breaker where they both go together.

So how do I disconnect EHU? And how to ensure multiplus has 12v feed?

Agree hob probably just coincidental.

Thank you for your input
 
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Captain Yoghurtpot said:
Thank You Lenny for the reply, but I am at a loss as to why you would need more power than the mains can supply.
Understand that some sites in UK and Europe are supplied at lower than 16amp, but surely that is what the solar and twin lithiums are installed for , once charged, to deliver a high power supply via the inverter, and turn off the EHU.
Unless the batteries have been depleted to such a point due to the solar not doing its job, or the EHU supply being slow to charge them up, but seems to me that this system wants the best of both worlds at the same time.
I thought the whole idea of fitting Lithium and Solar was to remove the necessity of reliance on mains power and thus provide greater freedom for travels.
What sort of power-hungry devices are some people taking with them?
Welding equipment perhaps?? :unsure::roflmto:
Click to expand...
No welding equipment, just kettle, toaster and electric bike chargers. Inverter only 1600 watt. Some campsites only have 3amps.

It’s me that wants best of both worlds, what some may once have called belt & braces. But I don’t know how long lithiums would last on their own, hence using EHU when available.

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PlymBob said:
I only have one dual circuit breaker where they both go together.

So how do I disconnect EHU? And how to ensure multiplus has 12v feed?

Agree hob probably just coincidental.

Thank you for your input
Click to expand...
PlymBob can you post photos of your installation, that may help others point you in the right direction of where to look/check to find the problem. Do you have a multi-meter with you? Probably the most useful diagnostic tool for MH electrics.

Have you checked the main fuses on your habitation electrics?
 
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So appologies for the basics -

Is the switch on on the multiplus, and are there any lights on the unit when plugged into EHU or when not plugged in?

Do you normally control the MP via the switch on the box or a MP remote panel or the Connect app via a bluetooth?

Oh and which MP do you have?
 
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As for the PC220 showing the start battery voltage as 0.1v, you should have a fuse from a cable running from the start battery to the dc distribution box - DS300? - I would check that, and if the cable connections are secure.

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I have nearly the same van 2023 540 summit Shine not Prime. The igniter is the least of your worries now but the switch is in a stupid place and bound to get splashed. You can remove the drawer to get underneath (l did post pics of how to do that somewhere on here) and maybe pat the underside dry or at least let it dry quicker. I bought some clear switch covers and fitted one, which seems to have prevented.problems.
Hope you get sorted quickly.
 
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Victron installation under seat with Truma, fuse box and Victron switch at end of seat



WIN_20250506_08_58_51_Pro.webp

WIN_20250506_09_00_05_Pro.webp
 
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chaser said:
Pull the plug out that should sort the ehu , solar pull the fuse out. (y)
Click to expand...
Do you mean the plug at the end of the cable that goes to the campsite post? That has to be removed before driving off? If so, it is out.
Solar seems to be working OK, do you mean the 30A fuse on the Solar Regulator (in photo)?
 
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