Fire in the overhead

[cpoo]

In my new Sightseer we opened the hot water tank compartment when looking for space to install rear air suspension. I had used the hot water for five minutes just to test. Otherwise it was heated from motor aid. Two instruction booklets all scorched were in the compartment. Real fire hazard. I ducked that bullet.

[SCVJeff]

Those are incandescent lamps, yes? I can't imagine a 12v LED strip producing enough current to cause that damage.

[jerichorick]

Originally Posted by SCVJeff

Those are incandescent lamps, yes? I can't imagine a 12v LED strip producing enough current to cause that damage.

Yea. Seems like a stretch. But, when you consider it this way you might be convinced. Two amps is not much current. But 2Ax12V=24W! Try to hang on to a 24W bulb. Did you ever try to remove a lit night light bulb? Hot stuff! And I think that is only 2W. Over time it would cook any flammable material and possibly cause a fire, if the stuff was touching the bulb. So, my conclusion is that those tiny pins in the connector (shown in an earlier post) failed because the connection was made poorly and the heat built up and cooked the connector over time. P=IR or R=24W/2A=12ohms. Not much resistance but enough to cook your fingers with at that voltage. I know this is not very scientific of me because much is left out of the equation but I am just trying to present the process in a reasonable fashion. I hope I succeeded and not frustrated.

Our rigs are so complex. To me it is a real tribute to the industry (as frustrated as we may often get) as to how well most of the systems work and for the longevity of many of them. But, when we do have a problem.... comes too often. I still love the freedom and won't go back to a stick house any time soon, if I continue to be blessed.

[SCVJeff]

The reason I asked is that looked like a 110vac connector for the rope lights, and I have seen them burn like that in the patio at home. Haven't measured it but it's likely those are 2A @ 110volts. And that's on the order of 200 watts

[jerichorick]

Originally Posted by SCVJeff

The reason I asked is that looked like a 110vac connector for the rope lights, and I have seen them burn like that in the patio at home. Haven't measured it but it's likely those are 2A @ 110volts. And that's on the order of 200 watts

To answer your valid and good question... 12V open lead wiring. Butt connectors to the plug. Didn't meter it but the coach AC is well protected and within code. I doubt they would stray here.