12-Volt Power Circuits; Converter Operation; 120-Volt Ac Panel Board - Airstream REI Co-op Special Edition Owner's Manual

Interior
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 city power� The 12-volt light
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�
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
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
5-10
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�
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.

120-Volt AC Panel Board

The AC panel board section contains the 120 VAC
branch circuit breakers for your RV� One of the
breakers controls the 120-volt power to the 12-volt
converter section� This breaker may also control
another branch circuit� Check the label next to each
breaker for what each branch circuit breaker controls�
2023 REI Special Edition