12-Volt Power Circuits; Converter Operation - Airstream REI SPECIAL EDITION Owner's Manual

Interior
bulbs give off the same light as regular household
bulbs, so that when operating on self-contained battery
power, everything works normally except the 120-volt
convenience outlets and 120-volt appliances� The
converter system is designed to maintain constant
output voltages regardless of the variances that occur
in city power systems�
WARNING
The power center is a centralized power
switching, fusing, and distribution center. The
potential for lethal electrical shock is present
in this box. Inadvertent shorts at this box could
result in damage and/or injury. All servicing of
this box should be done by a qualified Service
Technician.
WARNING
Disconnect/De-energize all main power service,
shore power, generator power, and inverter power
prior to servicing the breaker panel.
The converter is energized only when the trailer is
hooked up to external AC power�
To test the converter, observe the following:
• Confirm 120-volt power is going into the converter.
• Disconnect the 12+ wire from the master switch�
• Using a voltmeter, check voltage output between
heavy gauge positive and negative wires coming out
of the converter�
• The voltage should be within 13�6 and 14�0 volts�
(The meter of the tester should be calibrated
periodically�)
• If converter is not within these voltages, have it
serviced by a qualified technician or replace it.
One of these wires is not spliced onto a wire of the
same color� It is the backup wire that is yellow in the
cable and black in the harness�
A label on the inside of the converter door lists the
circuits and what each fuse powers�

12-Volt Power Circuits

The current in the converter system is 12 volts direct
current (12 VDC) negative grounded� Power sources
that supply 12 VDC current to the system are as
follows:
• Main charge line from tow vehicle
• Trailer batteries
• Converter
5-10
The power sources listed above are all electrically
connected to the 12-volt distribution fuse panel that
distributes current to interior branch circuits� The
circuits provide power to operate all 12-volt DC lights,
pumps, motors, and appliances�
The power converter is a solid-state electronic power
supply and is maintenance-free. It is so self-sufficient
and quiet that you will probably not know it is working
except for the fact that your batteries are always
charged, and your 12-volt lights and appliances always
work�
If any 12-volt appliance fails to operate, first check
your 12-volt distribution fuse block, located behind the
decorative front door in the front right-hand corner of
the converter and inspect all fuses� If a fuse is opened
or blown, replace it with the same size fuse (never
install a larger fuse)� If the fuse opens again, have an
electrician or certified RV technician locate the circuit
trouble� Replace blown fuses only with the same type
and amperage size previously used�
If the power converter is not working, first confirm
the RV supply or shoreline cord is plugged into a
live circuit� Then check all the 120-volt breakers in
your RV distribution panel to make sure they are on�
If the breaker is tripped, follow instructions to reset
the breakers� If the breaker trips again, consult an
electrician or certified RV technician.
NOTE
If you notice battery performance issues after
having a lithium battery upgrade installed
(Airstream Power Plus), consult your Airstream
dealer. The installer may need to change the
position of the lithium charge profile setting DIP
switch from the LA (lead acid) position to the LI
(lithium) position.

Converter Operation

The electronic power converter is designed to supply
the nominal 12-volt-filtered DC power for all 12-volt-
operated devices encountered in RV service� Although
the converter is an excellent battery charger, the
converter does not require a battery to be connected to
it for proper operation�
NOTICE
When installing a battery(s), always observe
polarity. Connecting a battery in reverse polarity
will blow the power converter main fuses located
on the 12-volt DC distribution fuse block.
2024 REI Special Edition