Fridge on AC has "Lo AC" Indicator

[rodjburge]

My fridge seems to be running OK until I put some extra load onto the motorhome electrical system.....such as electric heater or air conditioner. Once the extra load is applied the fridge starts blinking a "Lo AC" code and starts to heat up. Have had to put the fridge on propane (off the AC) if extra heat or cooling of the motorhome are required. Presently setting in an RV park in Phoenix, have not had this problem at previous locations. Is it possible that the voltage supplied at our present location is not adequate to run all of the motorhome systems at one time?? Just trying to figure out if I have an actual problem or if it is a matter of the current facility not supplying the proper power.
Thank you all for the help

[MrWizard]

It could be going less than 116 when the a/c compressor cycles
Or the control board could be a touch sensitive

[CA_Traveler]

rodjburge wrote:
After unplugging from source power and operating on generator, it appears that the 116v is low enough to cause the fridge to glitch to "Lo AC". With the gen running I am getting the full 120v at the outlet and the fridge seems to run nominally.

Riddle solved....normal ops will need to be with fridge on LP as long as it is hot enough to require air.

Thanx again all

116V is not considered low by anyone. You have a bad board.

The US standard is 108V to 132V. You should not be getting a Lo AC error at 116V.

[rodjburge]

After unplugging from source power and operating on generator, it appears that the 116v is low enough to cause the fridge to glitch to "Lo AC". With the gen running I am getting the full 120v at the outlet and the fridge seems to run nominally.

Riddle solved....normal ops will need to be with fridge on LP as long as it is hot enough to require air.

Thanx again all

[MrWizard]

Leave the fridge on propane
Check voltage with the a/c running
Like was said in a previous post
An auto transformer between the pedestal and your RV will keep the voltage up to the correct operating range

[CA_Traveler]

Below 108V gets questionable in general. But did you measure with lots of loads like your AC and your neighbors?

Your refer might be OK with even lower voltage.

[rodjburge]

Thanx for the help on this everyone.
Checked the voltage at an outlet, expected 120 and measured 116. Now I would like to understand what would be considered low enough to cause the problem.

[AllegroD]

Kill-A-Watt

[CA_Traveler]

BTW Just switching the refer to propane isn't going to solve a low voltage problem or solve potential equipment damage.

[CA_Traveler]

Every RVer should have a digital voltmeter IMHO. Since you are in Phoenix with near record heat, lots of ACs running and lots of snowbirds haven't gone home yet you very likely have low voltage due to the power demands.

Your refer is currently your best friend as low voltage ruins or shortens the life of some equipment like ACs. Check the voltage and find a solution.

[hanko]

DSDP Don wrote:
I use a Progressive Industries Surge protector on my coach, but I also have one of these plugged into an outlet in the main living area. I usually take a glance at it a couple of times a day to make sure the power is up to snuff.

AC Voltage meter

Me too, right in the kitchen

[Ivylog]

If you do not have a volt meter, crank up the generator and see if the problem goes away. I'd unhook from shore power first. If this solves the problem it's low voltage in the CG and moving closer to the transformer in the CG may help or a different CG.

[vegasfoodguy]

Autoformer

[DSDP_Don]

I use a Progressive Industries Surge protector on my coach, but I also have one of these plugged into an outlet in the main living area. I usually take a glance at it a couple of times a day to make sure the power is up to snuff.

AC Voltage meter

[Sooner_Schooner]

First thing I would check is to see if you are getting the proper voltage to your coach, borrow or buy a tester to see if you are getting 110 volts to your outlets.
I have also seen where a coach was only getting power to one leg of the coach, we turned the breaker off, unplugged the shore line, plugged it back in again making sure it was plugged in properly and luckily everything started working. Won't hurt to try.