Posted 2009-12-27 4:08 PM (#114592) Subject: Equalizer Electric Jack - Auto Reset Breakers
Member
Posts: 8
Hi, a continuation of why electric jack does not operate with new batteries installed. I have read most of Equalizer electric jack pages, installation and troubleshooting regarding the El Pac 2 gearbox and rotary switch wiring. The diagrams show 2 40amp auto reset breakers between the switchgear and the 12VDC battery. I do not see these breakers, could they be housed inside the switchgear box? I do not want to take that swithgear box apart again if I do not have to. Thank you for all your help, MsSilver
Posted 2009-12-27 5:55 PM (#114594 - in reply to #114592) Subject: RE: Equalizer Electric Jack - Auto Reset Breakers
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402 Location: Lockport, Illinois
They sould be mounted in the battery box. Follow the red wire from the switch, to the positive side of the battery, the CB should be between the switch and the battery. Follow the black wire from the switch and make sure it is attached to the ground side of the battery.
Posted 2009-12-27 6:41 PM (#114595 - in reply to #114592) Subject: RE: Equalizer Electric Jack - Auto Reset Breakers
Member
Posts: 8
No, the breakers are not mounted anywhere to be seen. Simply the jack wiring is from one battery to switchgear and from switchgear to jack motor. That is why I was wondering if breakers could be inside the switchgear box? Still, jack worked 2 weeks ago before I changed out old Napa batteries for new fully charged Interstate batteries, copied wiring diagram prior to exchange. Thanks, MsSilver
Posted 2009-12-27 9:37 PM (#114599 - in reply to #114592) Subject: RE: Equalizer Electric Jack - Auto Reset Breakers
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Are you sure the new batteries are fully charged? Most batteries are not fully charged when purchased. Many appliances will work on less than 12.5 V. and the jack motor may not. With a multi meter, check the available voltage at the hot side ( B+) of the switch. See if you have 12.5 V. Then while engaging the switch, check the switch's output terminal for the same voltage. Any drop in voltage or no voltage will indicate a poor connection or bad switch. Follow the wiring to the jack, and again with the switch engaged, check the available voltage at the jack. If you have power to the jack, then it will be an internal problem with a connector or motor problem.
Were the battery wiring terminals cleaned before the new batteries were installed? If not, I would remove and clean them and then reinstall them with a coating of dielectric grease.
Posted 2009-12-28 6:42 PM (#114605 - in reply to #114592) Subject: RE: Equalizer Electric Jack - Now Works-What I Learned
Member
Posts: 8
The electric jack is now working, I want to thank you all for your advice, I followed what you posted. The new batteries were fully charged when purchased 2 wks ago, I had them tested prior to purchasing, but I did go buy a good digital multimeter to double ck, showed full charge today, even though battery terminals and cable terminals did not look corroded, I clean all terminals today, attached cables back property and electric jack works fine. So, there must have been corrosion, lesson learned always clean all terminals when installing new batteries. Thanks again, great forum. MsSilver
Posted 2009-12-28 9:05 PM (#114612 - in reply to #114592) Subject: RE: Equalizer Electric Jack - Auto Reset Breakers
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
New batteries have a "patina" on their posts/connections that should be cleaned/removed before the cables/wires are connected. The older the battery, the thicker the patina. Most of the time a stiff steel wire brush will clean the new terminals so a good connection can be made..... Add a little Vaseline when you're finished.
Equalizer Electric Jack - Auto Reset Breakers
