Table of Contents
Advertisement
POWER CONVERTER
(See page 54)
The power converter converts 120-volt AC power to usable 12-volt DC
power when the shore power cord is connected to an external power
source.
The converter has a built-in protective thermal breaker that will shut
it down should overheating occur. Overheating can be caused by
operating the converter above its maximum power output for an
extended period of time, or by an obstruction to its ventilation air flow.
To reduce converter heat buildup keep unnecessary 12-volt lights and
motors turned off. Keep the converters cooling fins and fan clear of
obstructions.
•
USE ONLY A DEEP CYCLE BATTERY FOR RV USE. Car
batteries (CCA rating) are not designed for RV applications.
•
If using multiple batteries they must be the same brand and type.
Adding more batteries will provide longer use of DC appliances
when not on shore power but may reduce charging efficiency.
•
The battery works in conjunction with the converter to supply DC
power to the RV. A battery is typically only necessary if you do a
lot of dry camping or have slideouts and/or a leveling system.
•
Reverse polarity fuse provides protection for the converter when
a battery is used. If the battery is connected backwards to the
fuse board this fuse would blow preventing converter damage.
•
Dimming or flickering lights usually indicates an overloaded
converter. Remove some of the load by turning off DC lights or
appliances.
•
Fan is controlled by load. It will begin running at 3 to 6 amp
DC draw. It increases in speed with a higher load until 14 to 15
amps. Fan is at maximum speed and stays there even with more
load. If load drops below 6 amps DC, the fan shuts off.
Before checking for converter output voltage, the battery cables must
be disconnected at the battery. Make sure the converter is plugged
into an AC source (105-132 volts AC). Check the converter output
voltage at the battery with a voltmeter. Place the voltmeter probes
on the disconnected battery cables. If the voltage reads 13.6-volt DC
with no load, the converter is functioning properly.
If the converter output voltage at the battery reads in the 0.0-volt DC
range, or the battery is not charging, check for:
•
An open inline fuse in the battery wire
•
An open wire between the converter and the RV battery
•
Loose ground connection
•
Improper torques
If the converter fuses and AC voltage are good, but the converter
output still reads zero volts, the converter is not functioning properly.
Modes of Operation
Absorption (Normal) Mode: 13.6-volt DC range. Batteries are being
charged at a slower rate. Converter will not work without AC input.
Float Trickle Mode: To get your converter into this mode, reduce the
load on the system to almost nothing but the battery. Let the system
sit for approximately 44 hours.
ELECTRICAL
Converter voltage will drop to 13.2-volt DC. If the converter sees any
load during this period or after it is in Float Mode it will revert back to
Absorption (Normal) Mode. 13.6-volt DC.
Bulk Mode: Converter will not jump into the Bulk Mode unless the
battery is below 50% of charge, or approximately below 13.2-volt DC
output voltage. There is no way to force it to go into Bulk Mode.
Red LED indicates blown fuse.
Inspection and maintenance
If the 12-volt power converter is not working (auxiliary battery not
being charged) check the reverse polarity fuse(s) located on the end
of the converter.
There are no customer serviceable parts inside the converter
case and the manufacturer's warranty will be void if the case has
been removed. If you have further concerns contact your dealer.
For detailed safety and operating information, refer to the
manufacturer's owner's manual.
Converter with Charge Wizard (if equipped)
Some converters may be equipped with a charge wizard
There are (3) possible charging modes; NORMAL, BOOST and
STORAGE. The charge wizard will automatically select the best
mode to charge your battery. A green LED next to the wizard mode
button will indicate, by flashes, which mode is currently being used.
Normal Mode: Green LED flashes once per second; battery is
between 50% and 90% charged. Green LED flashes 2-3 times per
second; battery is 90% charged. Output voltage is 13.6-volt DC and
the converter is safely completing the charge of the battery.
Boost Mode: Green LED is on solid. Output voltage is 14.4-volt DC to
rapidly charge the battery up to 90% of full charge.
Storage Mode: Green LED flashes every 6-8 seconds. Output
voltage has been reduced to 13.2-volt
DC; the RV battery is fully
charged and converter is
maintaining the charge.
Manual Mode (not recommended):
The manual mode button is
used to override the charge
wizard. Refer to the
converter owner's manual
for additional information.
Reverse Battery
Protection: Reverse
polarity fuse(s) provide
protection for the converter
when a battery is used. If
the battery is connected
backwards to the fuse board a fuse will blow preventing damage to
the converter. Four easily accessible fuses are located next to the
wizard button. Replace with fuses of the same type and rating.
LI/LA Switch: Sets the charge mode for Lithium (LI) or Liquid Acid
(LA) batteries. Contact your dealer or customer service for more
information before changing this setting.
Load Center Example
Reverse
Polarity
Fuses
LI/LA
Switch
Manual Mode
Button
(Do Not Touch)
Charge Wizard
Page 47
6
Advertisement
Table of Contents
