Hymer EHU light on (when not on EHU)

[wfdTamar]

I have a 2002 Hymer motorhome with a Schaudt Electroblock EBL 99 D.

I have found when NOT plugged into mains power (EHU) the 230V LED on the control panel lights up sometimes (see photo below). Often solid light, but also at times flickering and there is lots of clicking from the Electroblock (EBL) like a relay quickly going on & off. Do you know what this means?

I have 200 watts solar through a Votronic Duo Digital controller direct to leisure battery, not through the EBL (I was worried it might overload the solar connector in the EBL). This worked fine in 2019 when I was last able to use the motorhome.

I have since September 2019 had the Hymer in storage outdoors and the solar was working. However it’s possible the leisure battery was discharged over the two winters since. Now I am back in the UK (I’m Australian, so was unable to get back until now) It’s possible the leisure battery is faulty (although it is behaving normally after a charge on EHU and once off the EHU, from the solar). The battery showed normal voltage when I picked the Hymer up. The mains charger seems to work ok.

So the only symptoms are the light on the control panel and mad clicking from the EBL.

 

[Andy1954]

No photo

 

[autorouter]

What is the model number of the EBL?

What do the battery voltages look like while the relay is clicking?

 

[wfdTamar]

EBL 99 D

 

[S0L0]

Hi..
Not familiar with the EBL 99D but with many years working in electronics I would suggest that the intermittent MHU light and clicking relay could point to an electrolytic capacitor problem within the mains switching relay module due to the 20yr age of the unit (assuming it came with the Hymer).
Electrolytic capacitors age and become leaky and account for most electronics failures these days especially intermittent one's. If you are competant they can be changed fairly easily if you have some soldering skills with the usual warnings about making sure you discharge electrolytic capacitors properly before touching or testing them(!).. as they can be at mains potential long after being disconnected from power. Lots of info to do that on the net.

A quick look online and I found some information for an EBL 119 which is going to be very similar to yours I would think. You can download a PDF which gives useful information and simple fault guide. For example.. it does say a faulty battery is one of the main causes of faults with these units..

You can find that information here:- http://www.aandncaravanservices.co.uk/schaudt-elektroblock.php

(Hoping link posting is allowed and apologies if not..!)

Good luck..

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[wfdTamar]

Yes that's my go to site for info on them and one place I might send it if it needs repair. I emailed Schaudt who make them and got an answer already. It's the original equipment.

From Schaudt tech support:
'Please check if the fuse “internal charger” (=internes Ladegerät) at the front row of the EBL´s fuses is ok.

Next check the 50A fuse and the 2A fuse close to the leisure battery.

When you can not find any broken fuse the internal charger inside the EBL has a defect and the EBL should be repaired here at Schaudt company.'

AandN Caravan Services or Apuljack Electronics also repair them.

 

[S0L0]

Also there are apparently electronic fuses which you can reset by disconnecting all power (12v too) and then restart/reconnect

 

[Manic]

Send an email to Lang, Udo <Udo.Lang@schaudt.gmbh> He is very helpful and ask his thoughts on the problem.

 

[autorouter]

Looking at the EBL99 wiring diagram, there are a limited number of ways that the mains indicator could be lit, if there is no EHU power. All of them point to a fault within the EBL.

First, remove the internal charger (Internes Ladegarat) fuse and see if the light goes out. If it doesn't, try removing the 20A fuse near the starter battery (the one that powers the fridge 12V element). I know it sounds a bit irrelevant, but it's the path for charging the starter battery when the mains hookup is plugged in.

What voltage readings are you getting on the batteries when the mains indicator light is on? Are you getting any reading on the 'Strom' meter (that's the leisure battery amps charge/discharge).

 

[autorouter]

A quick look online and I found some information for an EBL 119 which is going to be very similar to yours I would think.

User guides for the EBLs, including an internal wiring diagram, are available on the Schaudt website. Various languages are available including English. Unfortunately the site is in German, but it is relatively easy to navigate and home in on the EBL you want. You select the one you want, give them an email address, they send you a link so you can download it.

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[wfdTamar]

Looks like something is wrong with it, so sending off for repair or replacement.

 

[DavidG58]

Our Hymer with its too clever for its own good attitude does the same to us, but complete with an audible alarm

Our solar also swerves the Reich controller as the solar fitter expected to find an EBL

I have found that if the leisure batteries are showing over 13.2V when started it presumes it is still hooked up , even when the hook up icon shows it isn’t

So when I unhook if sunny I then turn the inverter on and if very sunny a few high Amp lights, till the voltage drops then start the engine

This may be of no use to you and only related to our unique prototype MH but posted in case it helps