Converter Power Center; 12-Volt Power Circuits; Converter Operation - Airstream (nest) 2019 Owner's Manual

Converter Power Center

(12-Volt/120-Volt Distribution)
The converter transforms 120-Volt
AC into 12-Volt DC. The converter/
charging system is the interior
low voltage electrical system that
enables you to use the interior
lights, fans, pumps, and 12-Volt
appliances, whether operating on self-contained battery power
or 120-Volt shore power. The 12-Volt LEDs give off the same
light as regular household bulbs, so that when operating on
The converter is energized only when the trailer is hooked up
to an external power source. To test the converter, observe the
following:
• Confirm 120-Volt power is going into 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 converter.
• The voltage should be within 13.8 and 14.0 volts. (The tester
meter 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.
If you replace a blown fuse and it immediately blows again, do
not replace the fuse again until a qualified service technician
can correct the problem. Refer to Section 8 — Maintenance for
important battery information.
The power converter is neither weather resistant nor designed
for installation in wet locations. The power converter must be
protected from direct contact with water.
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 volt- ages regardless of
the variances that occur in shore
power systems.

12-Volt Power Circuits

The current in the converter system is 12 Volts Direct Current
(12VDC) negative grounded. Power sources that supply 12VDC
current to the system are:
• Main charge line from tow vehicle
• Trailer batteries
• Converter
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.
Power converter is a solid-state electronic power supply and is
maintenance-free. It is self-sufficient and very quiet. 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.

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.
NOTE
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.
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