Statpower Explosion

M

mr.c

New member
Jul 11, 1998
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Arch--- why is that you are a test bed for everything. I agree with Gene.
Nothing should cause it to go, but a bad circuit could cause the circuit to
go and blow the system. You might want to check with Statpower and see if
they know or will give you another one.
al

> -- [ From: Eugene Fisher * EMC.Ver #3.1a PRODIGY ] --
> Expanded recipient data:
> To: Gcbr \ America On-Line: (GCBR)
>
> Holy shit.
>
> That is really scary.... Nothing should be able to do that. Sounds
> like you blew up a capacitor. The charger should be limited on the
> output so that nothing should be able to harm it.
>
> Makes you wonder why so many of these were available refurbished...
>
> gene
>
> -------- REPLY, Original message follows --------
>
> Date: Saturday, 21-Aug-99 08:14 PM
>
> From: Gcbr \ America On-Line: (GCBR)
> To: gmclist \ Internet: (gmcmotorhome
> .org)
>
> Attachment: mimemsg.doc Code: 04QCG6D \ Created: Unknown [3 Kb]
>
> Subject: GMC: Statpower Explosion
>
> GMCers
>
> Well, a major set back today. I have had my Statpower 40& running for
> about a month now. I have charged the house batteries and charged the
> automotive battery with it. I have run the florescent lights with it no
> problems. Even forgot and left one light on all night. Today the auto
> battery was low so I plugged in the Statpower to charge it up. It was
> charging at a rate of about 15 amps. I turned the key on to bring the
> air pressure up on the bags. I had been running the air before on the
> battery that is why it was low. After about 1 minutes there was a loud
> explosion and fire shot out if the Statpower front about 2/3s of the
> way up the front panel in the center side to side. I know exactly where
> the fire came from because I had just bent down to see how many amps the
> unit was putting out. No, I am not hurt-----did need to change underwear
> . I am not talking about a little pop my ears rang for most of the
> afternoon. Fire was yellow and shot out 2 to 3 inches. Then smoke for
> about 1 min. Anybody got any ideas. I did not change any wiring or
> anything. Why would the compressor cause this thing to blow. (the
> compressor is new) Anybody with any ideas I sure would like to hear them
> ..
>
> Take Care
> Arch
>
> -------- REPLY, End of original message --------
>
> Gene 76Palm Beach /Or/CA
>
> GMC Technical Information
> http://www.california.com/~eagle/
 
Yeah, John,
That's what I would have tole him to do.{:>) After several six packs, he
might be able to follow that.
>From what he described, he deserves several six packs.
Roger
 
Glad to hear you are not hurt. From your description, it sounds to me
like one of your electrolytic capacitors let go in the Statpower. Usually
this does require a change of underwear... It happened to me over 40
years ago, on a transmitter I built out of several TV sets while I was
talking to Germany. The homeowners insurance covered the re-wallpapering
and the replastering of the room. My mother was absolutely convinced
that Rock and Roll would have been a better hobby even though I was
studying classical piano.

People used to ask me things like, how long did it take for all the black
stuff to cover the walls and ceiling. My answer was about 1 and 1/2
pants full...

- --
Regards,
John 74 Glacier
 
I would call your Insurance Guy and ask him if he would like to take a
look. This really should not happen as Gene has stated, but that is what
we carry insurance for. I'm sure these Statepower units are UL approved
and these things do happen but Thank God, rarely. After all the dust
settles, I would ask Statpower how often this has been reported.

- --
Regards,
John 74 Glacier
 
> The homeowners insurance covered the re-wallpapering and the
> replastering of the room.

But only after they had looked at the FCC license that gave me government
'premission' to experiment with these electronic components without
surpervision. I would be looking at the equalizing resitors that you
will find connected across the contacts of the cylindrical electrolytic
capacitors in the unit. Make sure they are not broken and what is the
color code on them if you can read them.

- --
Regards,
John 74 Glacier
 
>From what he described, he deserves several six packs. Roger

Yes... for sure, except he knows a lot about good scotch, so he could be
a scotch man... Tomorrow or later will be fine... I'm trying to avoid
casting any dispersions on the Statpower folks because this does happen
even in the most concervatively designed units, if there is an failure in
a given electrolytic.

Any specualation I might make, only clouds the insurance issue. If it is
fairly unusual it will be covered. (including consequential damages)
laundry etc.

- --
Regards,
John 74 Glacier
 
The key point in this is that the Statpower did contain the fire. A good
design fails safe even when something goes wrong. Maybe we should we be
mounting these under the hood where they're farther removed from the living
quarters.

Dick Kennedy

OBTW: I've got my wife trained to check the shop whenever she hears an
explosion!

>Arch--- why is that you are a test bed for everything. I agree with Gene.
>Nothing should cause it to go, but a bad circuit could cause the circuit to
>go and blow the system. You might want to check with Statpower and see if
>they know or will give you another one.
>al
>

>
>> -- [ From: Eugene Fisher * EMC.Ver #3.1a PRODIGY ] --
>> Expanded recipient data:
>> To: Gcbr \ America On-Line: (GCBR)
>>
>> Holy shit.
>>
>> That is really scary.... Nothing should be able to do that. Sounds
>> like you blew up a capacitor. The charger should be limited on the
>> output so that nothing should be able to harm it.
>>
>> Makes you wonder why so many of these were available refurbished...
>>
>> gene
>>
>> -------- REPLY, Original message follows --------
>>
>> Date: Saturday, 21-Aug-99 08:14 PM
>>
>> From: Gcbr \ America On-Line: (GCBR)
>> To: gmclist \ Internet: (gmcmotorhome
>> .org)
>>
>> Attachment: mimemsg.doc Code: 04QCG6D \ Created: Unknown [3 Kb]
>>
>> Subject: GMC: Statpower Explosion
>>
>> GMCers
>>
>> Well, a major set back today. I have had my Statpower 40& running for
>> about a month now. I have charged the house batteries and charged the
>> automotive battery with it. I have run the florescent lights with it no
>> problems. Even forgot and left one light on all night. Today the auto
>> battery was low so I plugged in the Statpower to charge it up. It was
>> charging at a rate of about 15 amps. I turned the key on to bring the
>> air pressure up on the bags. I had been running the air before on the
>> battery that is why it was low. After about 1 minutes there was a loud
>> explosion and fire shot out if the Statpower front about 2/3s of the
>> way up the front panel in the center side to side. I know exactly where
>> the fire came from because I had just bent down to see how many amps the
>> unit was putting out. No, I am not hurt-----did need to change underwear
>> . I am not talking about a little pop my ears rang for most of the
>> afternoon. Fire was yellow and shot out 2 to 3 inches. Then smoke for
>> about 1 min. Anybody got any ideas. I did not change any wiring or
>> anything. Why would the compressor cause this thing to blow. (the
>> compressor is new) Anybody with any ideas I sure would like to hear them
>> ..
>>
>> Take Care
>> Arch
>>
>> -------- REPLY, End of original message --------
>>
>> Gene 76Palm Beach /Or/CA
>>
>> GMC Technical Information
>> http://www.california.com/~eagle/
>
>
 
Put me on the list as also having a refurb'd Statpower failure. No flames,
buy that nasty arcing sound and some smoke. Also, not messing with wiring
and on shore power at the time.

Unit is now at Statpower for evaluation. I'll post results.

ps: Sure glad I kept the old hummer.

___________
Dave (& Dege), '76 Royale /_][__] [_] | "SR JAMES"
Santa Barbara, CA *0-------OO--* (our hobby)
 
Arch,

Would you mind sharing with us how you have the Statpower connected? Do you have
one positive going to the house battery(s) and another positive to the start
battery? Where is the Statpower connected to ground? Also, are all your
batteries of the same type? Was your battery boost switch set to on or off? I
don't know, but I have wondered if the battery boost switch could cause problems
by joining the outputs of the Statpower.

Sorry to hear about your "excitement."

Richard

- ----- Original Message -----
From:
To:
Sent: Saturday, August 21, 1999 6:11 PM
Subject: GMC: Statpower Explosion

> GMCers
>
> Well, a major set back today. I have had my Statpower 40& running for about
> a month now. I have charged the house batteries and charged the automotive
> battery with it. I have run the florescent lights with it no problems. Even
> forgot and left one light on all night. Today the auto battery was low so
> I plugged in the Statpower to charge it up. It was charging at a rate of
> about 15 amps. I turned the key on to bring the air pressure up on the bags.
> I had been running the air before on the battery that is why it was low.
> After about 1 minutes there was a loud explosion and fire shot out if the
> Statpower front about 2/3s of the way up the front panel in the center
> side to side. I know exactly where the fire came from because I had just
> bent down to see how many amps the unit was putting out. No, I am not
> hurt-----did need to change underwear. I am not talking about a little pop
> my ears rang for most of the afternoon. Fire was yellow and shot out
> 2 to 3 inches. Then smoke for about 1 min. Anybody got any ideas.
> I did not change any wiring or anything. Why would the compressor
> cause this thing to blow. (the compressor is new) Anybody with
> any ideas I sure would like to hear them.
>
> Take Care
> Arch
>
 
>
>
> Put me on the list as also having a refurb'd Statpower
> failure. No flames, buy that nasty arcing sound and
> some smoke. Also, not messing with wiring and on shore
> power at the time.
>
> Unit is now at Statpower for evaluation. I'll post results.
>
> ps: Sure glad I kept the old hummer.

Hmmm, that's two. Any other Statpower charger failures out there?

Dave, how long since you sent your unit back to Statpower? Have you
received a replacement yet?

Patrick
 
I used my Statpower 40 on a 5 week jaunt w/every possible combination of
batteries, &/or input power, & accessory load. Never had a problem. In fact, I am
very satisfied w/its operation.

No matter how well an item is designed or built there will always be a fluke
somewhere. Remember the Challenger?

> In a message dated 8/21/99 8:32:21 PM Central Daylight Time, jdolan

>
> >
> > People used to ask me things like, how long did it take for all the black
> > stuff to cover the walls and ceiling. My answer was about 1 and 1/2
> > pants full...
> >
> John
>
> I will take the thing out in the morning and report what I find. I hung
> around
> for about an hour to make sure nothing was going to burn. Then I came in
> I was in no shape to work. I honestly dont know what happened. For right
> now I would not advise people to hook up any line to charge their auto
> battery. At first all I thought about was the compressor. Now I am wondering
> what if the isolator is bad. What kind of electrical soup could I have mixed
> when I turned the key on. I dont ever remember having the key on while the
> charger was on. So now I have two variables. I know the isolator is not
> shorted because I have had no problems with the auto battery going
> down it will set there for weeks. I have never left the house batteries
> hooked up when I was not there because of work I am doing. OH well.
>
> Take Care
> Arch
 
Arch,
I've had my StatPower 40 running in all combinations of
operation since the Spring and have not had any problems.
It has been trouble free except that my house batteries died,
but that I'm pretty sure was due to lack of maintenance (can't
get at the batteries to check them) and the fan runs a lot. The
fan running is because I run my reefer exclusively on DC
power.

I sure want to know what happened to yours too. Another
good reason to have a fuse or breaker in that circuit, although
that would have probably not prevented your problem.
Richard

> In a message dated 8/23/99 7:58:23 PM Central Daylight Time,

>
> >
> > I used my Statpower 40 on a 5 week jaunt w/every possible combination of
> > batteries, &/or input power, & accessory load. Never had a problem. In
> fact,
> > I am
> > very satisfied w/its operation.
> >
> Edgar
>
> Could I please ask if you ever had the Statpower hooked up with the key
> on but the engine not running? I only ask this because this is the only thing
> that was different this time. I had never had the key on with the Statpower
> hooked up. I have no idea if this has anything to do with this problem or not.
> Would like to reduce the number of variables.
>
> Being a designer I know all about flukes BTDT to many times. Thanks.
>
> Take Care
> Arch
 
I was recently working on my air compressor and while hooked up to
shore power. I had the key on and the engine not running. There was no
problem with the Statpower.

Eric Tipton
etipton

-----Original Message-----
From: Gcbr [mailto:Gcbr]
Sent: Monday, August 23, 1999 6:24 PM
To: gmcmotorhome
Subject: Re: GMC: Statpower Explosion

In a message dated 8/23/99 7:58:23 PM Central Daylight
Time,

>
> I used my Statpower 40 on a 5 week jaunt w/every
possible combination of
> batteries, &/or input power, & accessory load. Never
had a problem. In
fact,
> I am
> very satisfied w/its operation.
>
Edgar

Could I please ask if you ever had the Statpower hooked
up with the key
on but the engine not running? I only ask this because
this is the only thing
that was different this time. I had never had the key on
with the Statpower
hooked up. I have no idea if this has anything to do
with this problem or not.
Would like to reduce the number of variables.

Being a designer I know all about flukes BTDT to many
times. Thanks.

Take Care
Arch
 
Yes - both the house & the starting batteries.

Eric Tipton
World Technology Services
Tel: 206.436.3300 Fax: 206.436.3305
etipton

-----Original Message-----
From: Gcbr [mailto:Gcbr]
Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 1999 9:01 AM
To: gmcmotorhome
Subject: Re: GMC: Statpower Explosion

In a message dated 8/24/99 10:01:52 AM Central Daylight
Time,

> I was recently working on my air compressor and while
hooked up to
> shore power. I had the key on and the engine not
running. There was no
> problem with the Statpower.
>
Eric

Thank you very much. Do you have yours set up so that it
charges
the start battery?

Take Care
Arch
 
What is the size of the external fuse? - on the AC or on the DC side? I
believe that if the internal fuse blows that you need to send the unit
back to Statpower for repair.

Eric Tipton
etipton

-----Original Message-----
From: EMERYSTORA [mailto:EMERYSTORA]
Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 1999 8:50 AM
To: gmcmotorhome
Subject: Re: GMC: Statpower Explosion

In a message dated 8/24/99 8:04:31 AM Eastern Daylight
Time, digitek
writes:

>
The Statpower does have an internal fuse. Some have
mounted a fuse outside
of the case to replace the internal fuse so as to make
it easier to get at.

Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Santa Fe, NM
 
Spoke to StatPower today.

They received mine "blind" 'cuz I didn't call ahead for an RMA, so it
wasn't on the fast track.

Since it was out of warranty, the best they could do for me was another
refurb'd unit, 2nd day air to CA for $200 (US). I should have it Thurs. and
it'll get installed Sat. The 1st one didn't get installed about 10 weeks
after receipt, so didn't have mmuch warranty left. This one will get tested
right away as we leave 9/5 on a 4,00 mi. trip that will include ALBQQ. At
least if this one's gonna crap out, maybe it'll be under warranty.

BTW I'll be packin' the old hummer and an extra fire extinguisher just in case.

___________
/_][__] [_] | Dave (& Dege) ("digester")
*0-------OO--* Santa Barbara, CA '76 Royale

 
Eric,
What Emery means that some of us have moved the fuse to a new fuse
holder mounted on the outside of the case so it is easy to replace in
case you blow the fuse. That fuse is on the AC side. As I remember it
is a 20 amp.

J.R. Wright

>
> What is the size of the external fuse? - on the AC or on the DC side? I
> believe that if the internal fuse blows that you need to send the unit
> back to Statpower for repair.
>
> Eric Tipton
> etipton
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: EMERYSTORA [mailto:EMERYSTORA]
> Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 1999 8:50 AM
> To: gmcmotorhome
> Subject: Re: GMC: Statpower Explosion
>
> In a message dated 8/24/99 8:04:31 AM Eastern Daylight
> Time, digitek

>
> Another
> good reason to have a fuse or breaker in that circuit,
> although
> that would have probably not prevented your problem.
> Richard >>
> The Statpower does have an internal fuse. Some have
> mounted a fuse outside
> of the case to replace the internal fuse so as to make
> it easier to get at.
>
> Emery Stora
> 77 Kingsley
> Santa Fe, NM
 
John
Do you physically open the case and move the fuse or just add a smaller
additional external fuse?

Eric Tipton
etipton

-----Original Message-----
From: John Wright [mailto:powerjon]
Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 1999 6:14 PM
To: gmcmotorhome
Subject: Re: GMC: Statpower Explosion

Eric,
What Emery means that some of us have moved the fuse to
a new fuse
holder mounted on the outside of the case so it is easy
to replace in
case you blow the fuse. That fuse is on the AC side.
As I remember it
is a 20 amp.

J.R. Wright

>
> What is the size of the external fuse? - on the AC or
on the DC side? I
> believe that if the internal fuse blows that you need
to send the unit
> back to Statpower for repair.
>
> Eric Tipton
> etipton
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: EMERYSTORA
[mailto:EMERYSTORA]
> Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 1999 8:50
AM
> To: gmcmotorhome
> Subject: Re: GMC: Statpower
Explosion
>
> In a message dated 8/24/99 8:04:31 AM
Eastern Daylight
> Time, digitek

>
> Another
> good reason to have a fuse or breaker
in that circuit,
> although
> that would have probably not
prevented your problem.
> Richard >>
> The Statpower does have an internal
fuse. Some have
> mounted a fuse outside
> of the case to replace the internal
fuse so as to make
> it easier to get at.
>
> Emery Stora
> 77 Kingsley
> Santa Fe, NM
 
Eric,
I located a new fuse holder to the outside of the case. The old holder
is still there but I have run new wires to the new holder. Just makes
it easier to change the fuse when you do something dumb.

J.R. Wright

>
> John
> Do you physically open the case and move the fuse or just add a smaller
> additional external fuse?
>
> Eric Tipton
> etipton
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: John Wright [mailto:powerjon]
> Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 1999 6:14 PM
> To: gmcmotorhome
> Subject: Re: GMC: Statpower Explosion
>
> Eric,
> What Emery means that some of us have moved the fuse to
> a new fuse
> holder mounted on the outside of the case so it is easy
> to replace in
> case you blow the fuse. That fuse is on the AC side.
> As I remember it
> is a 20 amp.
>
> J.R. Wright
>

> >
> > What is the size of the external fuse? - on the AC or
> on the DC side? I
> > believe that if the internal fuse blows that you need
> to send the unit
> > back to Statpower for repair.
> >
> > Eric Tipton
> > etipton
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: EMERYSTORA
> [mailto:EMERYSTORA]
> > Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 1999 8:50
> AM
> > To: gmcmotorhome
> > Subject: Re: GMC: Statpower
> Explosion
> >
> > In a message dated 8/24/99 8:04:31 AM
> Eastern Daylight
> > Time, digitek

> >
> > to yours too.
> > Another
> > good reason to have a fuse or breaker
> in that circuit,
> > although
> > that would have probably not
> prevented your problem.
> > Richard >>
> > The Statpower does have an internal
> fuse. Some have
> > mounted a fuse outside
> > of the case to replace the internal
> fuse so as to make
> > it easier to get at.
> >
> > Emery Stora
> > 77 Kingsley
> > Santa Fe, NM
 
Eric, are you sure that is a 20 amp fuse on the AC side? That means the
Statpower would have to draw 2400 watts to blow the fuse. I wouldn't want to
be around.

> Eric,
> What Emery means that some of us have moved the fuse to a new fuse
> holder mounted on the outside of the case so it is easy to replace in
> case you blow the fuse. That fuse is on the AC side. As I remember it
> is a 20 amp.
>
> J.R. Wright
>

> >
> > What is the size of the external fuse? - on the AC or on the DC side? I
> > believe that if the internal fuse blows that you need to send the unit
> > back to Statpower for repair.
> >
> > Eric Tipton
> > etipton
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: EMERYSTORA [mailto:EMERYSTORA]
> > Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 1999 8:50 AM
> > To: gmcmotorhome
> > Subject: Re: GMC: Statpower Explosion
> >
> > In a message dated 8/24/99 8:04:31 AM Eastern Daylight
> > Time, digitek

> >
> > > Another
> > good reason to have a fuse or breaker in that circuit,
> > although
> > that would have probably not prevented your problem.
> > Richard >>
> > The Statpower does have an internal fuse. Some have
> > mounted a fuse outside
> > of the case to replace the internal fuse so as to make
> > it easier to get at.
> >
> > Emery Stora
> > 77 Kingsley
> > Santa Fe, NM
 
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