DC Panel switch turns off by itself

[Intuition]

I have had a couple incidents on the switches on the DC panel, one on the fresh water pump switch, and one on the macerator switch. I turn the switch on, the pump starts pumping, then the switch turns off by itself. I turn the switch back on, the pump works for a few seconds, then turns off again. Any idea why the switch turns off? This is on a 2009 R25 with about 650 hrs.

 

[tlkenyon]

It is a breaker, not really a switch. I think ya got something going on electric-wise. Experts on this forum will be able to assist...hopefully.

 

[scross]

First, I am no expert when it comes to electrical troubleshooting.
But that DC panel switch is a circuit breaker as tikenyon stated. It’s tripping because the electrical load on the circuit is too high.
The most obvious culprit is an overloaded or failing/failed fresh water pump. It could be the pump is overloading due to the input or output water line being clogged, a diaphragm puncture, etc.
Or it could be a wiring problem with loose or corroded wires to the pump.
If you replace the fresh waterpump make sure the in and out waterlines are clear.
The macerator pump situation could be similar. Ours died last year and will be replaced this winter. We don’t use it so it isn’t a priority repair.
If I misstated anything I’m asking the electrical experts (you know who you are) please chime in and correct me.

 

[knotflying]

I would go along with the previous post. However, it seems odd that two items are failing at the same time. Check the connections at the breakers and make sure they are not corroded and tight. The breakers have been known to fail as well. You could have two bum breakers. do you have another breaker in the panel that is of the same amperage? If so switch it with the suspect breaker and see what happens.

 

[Intuition]

Thanks. Clarification - the two breaker switches don't turn off at same time - totally independent. I freeze protected the boat yesterday and no issues. It seems very intermittent.

 

[tlkenyon]

Does anyone have a photo of the backside of the DC/AC panel? Curious.

 

[doke01]

tlkenyon is right. It is a breaker and it means the load is too high for the circuit. Either you have a short of something is causing the load to increase on the circuit. You should definitely not ignore it.