Help to protect electronics from spikes

[two]

I can be sitting in the van at night and, occasionally, the lights will flicker as if the supply dropped for a moment. On occasion the control board has tripped and the 12V system needed to be switched back on but it appears to be creating spikes that some items don’t like. The fridge on/off button has been affected (it no longer works) so I’m keen to trace this intermittent (12V system) fault.

Someone may recognise these symptoms and know how it was cured?

Otherwise, I’m looking for ways to track down the cause?

In the meantimet, is there a simple way to protect devices from a sudden surge?

 

[Lenny HB]

Does it happen on & off EHU?

Doesn't sound like spikes to me, more like the distribution unit falling over.

 

[two]

I replaced the distribution unit
and it still happens.

Maybe I should change the van...

 

[jongood]

I replaced the distribution unit
and it still happens.

Maybe I should change the van...

Is it a CBE control panel? does it have a battery? ( might not obviously be a battery)

 

[two]

Yes, CBE control panel (but I don't think it has a battery).
Took the van to the dealer but it was beyond them!

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[SpeedyDux]

The Hab battery ought to smooth out spikes in the 12V system. A sudden voltage drop (even while on EHU) might indicate that the Hab battery is holding very little charge, can't handle sudden demand e.g. when the fridge thermostat kicks in, therefore needs replacing.

 

[jongood]

Yes, CBE control panel (but I don't think it has a battery).
Took the van to the dealer but it was beyond them!

Mine is CBE and it has a battery and the batteries can fail as they get older, I checked mine out and ending up getting a local fixit guy to solder in a new battery.

Old CBE panels preventive maintenance

On a previous thread John Russell detailed the problem he had when the battery on his CBE panel leaked killing the 12v power and damaging the PCB, this has prompted me to take a look at mine and I recommend everyone with an older panel has a look at theirs. Ifyou catch it before it does any...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[Newfie]

Do a search on here for AVS 30

 

[two]

The Hab battery ought to smooth out spikes in the 12V system. A sudden voltage drop (even while on EHU) might indicate that the Hab battery is holding very little charge, can't handle sudden demand e.g. when the fridge thermostat kicks in, therefore needs replacing.

I'd agree with that.
Curiously, I don't think this glitch has occurred whilst on EHU.
It may not bw a spike - that's my assumption - I'm assuming that a drop in voltage is less likely to upset electronics than a jump. If lights flicker, it suggests a temporary drop (to me).
I accused the battery and changed it. But the symptoms continued. I think something might be shorting the battery out but have no idea what.

 

[two]

Mine is CBE and it has a battery and the batteries can fail as they get older, I checked mine out and ending up getting a local fixit guy to solder in a new battery.

Old CBE panels preventive maintenance

On a previous thread John Russell detailed the problem he had when the battery on his CBE panel leaked killing the 12v power and damaging the PCB, this has prompted me to take a look at mine and I recommend everyone with an older panel has a look at theirs. Ifyou catch it before it does any...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Thanks.
Mine is a different model (but that does not mean it doesn't have a battery).

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[two]

Do a search on here for AVS 30
View attachment 845698

Interesting. This could be useful if the EHU is suspect, but I don't think it can do much on the 12V side.