Another Customer Service Story

[linedoctor]

Due to what I believe was a shore power problem, the rotary AC switch on my panel fried. Fried, as in the sounds of arcing, the smell of burning and ozone, and a mushy unresponsive switch. I opened the panel and fixing anything in there was way passed my comfort level despite being pretty comfortable with electricity.

I called the panel vendor, Bluesea, and it looked like a new switch would be in the $200-$300 range. I was in the process of ordering one when I happened to phone Richard (parts manager at Ranger) about something else I'd ordered the month before and mentioned the rotary switch problem in passing. End of story, right?

Not with Ranger. Richard passed on my problem to Andrew, who said he would help me figure out how to install the switch. And he contacted Howard at the factory, who contacted Bluesea, and....A new rotary switch was delivered to my door three days later.....for free.

I installed the switch (a two person job) and all is good. I have a 2011 R29 that I bought used. Why buy a Ranger Tug? If you have to ask.....

 

[Salish Rover]

Wow---Outstanding---Hope all is well.

Kathy & Craig

 

[Irish Mist]

Just curious.. We're you having any issues before the melt down ? I seem to be having issues switching to Generator power. I have not taken it apart yet to see if that is in fact the issue but I suspect it is . On shore power now which is working fine, but I will be attacking it soon
Thank you

 

[linedoctor]

I had no telltale warning and can't say for sure what caused it. I know I had a bad dock breaker. (Now replaced by the marina) I'm guessing I was pulling too many amps at once (three space heaters and the hot water heater) and the boat breakers didn't trip, nor did the shore breaker because it was defective, overheating the rotary switch.

It was bad though. On inspection the switch was very burned and very melted. The "hot" wire leading into the switch was nearly burned off and hanging onto the terminal by a few strands. Very dangerous but I didn't appreciate how much until I saw the damage. I was a dummy and kept using the boat while I waited for the switch. I am so appreciative Ranger got involved and expedited everything.

If you need to replace the switch pm me and I'll give you some tips. It took us an hour and a half. The friend who helped me is a marine mechanic and also guessed the hot wire hadn't been properly tightened into the rotary switch and became the weak spot in the overloaded circuit. In the end I'll never know but I no longer rely on the the breakers tripping to let me know I'm running too much. An amp meter will be in my future.

 

[Irish Mist]

Thank you. I need to get a meter then I can see if it is in fact the switch . Could be the generator not putting out 110 as the A/c works just the 110 which goes through the switch... You should also check your main breaker on the panel it should have tripped as well If it was too much draw. I suspect you had a bad switch. Glad your back in business now