Connecticut Electric Parallax Power Supply 7400 Series Owner's Manual

7400 Series
Owner's Manual
Congratulations on the purchase of your new RV. We hope
you have many years of enjoyment. Your new RV is equipped
with an advanced 120-volt to 12-volt power converter. Your
Parallax 7400 series electronic switch mode power converter
has been designed to give you many years of trouble-free use.
These revolutionary RV power converters utilize technology
developed for power supplies in computers that provides a
clean, stable, voltage regulated output while also providing
safety features designed to help protect the converter against
over-temperature and output over-load.
If you have any comments, please contact Parallax's Customer
Service Representative at the address, fax or phone number
below.
Parallax Power Supply
th
100 West 11 Street, Suite 100
Anderson, IN 46016
(800) 443-4859
Ph: (800) 443-4859
General Information
A regulated 12-volt power supply, the 7400 series, is
maintenance free. It is so self-sufficient and quiet that you will
not even 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 locate your RV's 12-volt distribution fuse block
and inspect all fuses. If a fuse is open 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.
If the 7400 series 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 a breaker is
tripped, follow the instructions to reset the breaker. If the
breaker trips again, consult an electrician or certified RV
technician.
Operation
The 7400 series power converter has been tested for the
utmost safety, it is output short-circuit proof, and UL listed. The
7400 series is also FCC Class B certified to minimize
interference with other electrical equipment as some power
converters do. Some interference could occur from
accumulations of multiple sources.
Timer Option (Option T)
If the converter is a "T" option unit, it has been factory set at
a nominal 14 volts output for battery charging. The optional
timer circuit is designed to lower charging voltage to
approximately 13.5 volts after the converter has been
connected to shoreline power for 13 hours. (Refer to the
model label on the top of the unit to determine if your
converter has this option.) Note – The Timer option
components cannot be added to a non option "T" unit.
This abrupt drop in voltage is designed to help minimize
battery "out gassing" during extended periods of operation on
shoreline power. When the shoreline power is disconnected
the timer will reset. The next time shoreline power is applied
the battery voltage will again shift up to the 14 volt setting for
another 13 hrs., only to again drop to the nominal 13.5 volt
point. This method can help minimize battery "out gassing"
resulting from seasonal battery temperatures.
On non-maintenance free batteries check the water level
often. Do not allow the battery cell plates to become exposed
to the air. Poor battery performance will result. Parallax
recommends disconnecting batteries during extended periods
FAX: (765) 608-5235 of inactive use or storage following the battery manufacturer's
recommendations for proper maintenance.
The Parallax 7400 Series electronic power converter is
designed to supply the nominal 12 volt filtered D.C. 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. CAUTION: When installing a battery(s)
always observe polarity. Connecting a battery with reverse
polarity will plow the power converter output fuses.
If the 12-volt load exceeds the converter output rating the
output voltage will drop to prevent any further increase in
current. Turn off some lights or appliances and the output
voltage will automatically restore. The same will occur if the
converter exceeds safe operating temperature limits. Check to
see that the converters air circulation is not blocked, or turn off
some of the 12-volt load.
Battery Charger Performance
The National Electric Code requires that power converters for
RV service use be marked with an average charge rate, as
part of the total continuous output rating. Average charge rate
will depend on several variables such as, condition of the
battery(s), temperature, and the length of time the battery(s)
are connected to the converter. In actual RV use the engine
alternator and on board motor generators are also possible
sources of charging currents.
With all these variables it is difficult to determine the average
charge rate from the converter. In most cases the average rate
Converter Operation
will be very small; in the order of a few hundred milliamps (1
AMPERE= 1,000 MILLIAMPS). Your Parallax 7400 Series
power converter is capable of delivering its full rated output to
the battery(s) if needed, but will taper off to a few hundred
milliamps when the battery(s) are at full charge
Converter Cooling System
The 7400 electronic fan cooling system is the key to long
life and trouble free operation. The fan turns on automatically
when required to cool the electronic components in the
converter. The amount of air "flow" required is necessary to
properly cool the converter components and the associated
"air sound" generated may be audible in quiet environments.
Mounting Location
The 7400 series converter is designed for indoor use only!
Do not mount in engine compartment or other harsh
environments; avoid areas where high levels of dust, dirt, or
moisture may occur.
The Parallax 7400 series power converter is of solid state
design and does not contain relays or mechanical devices that
produce arcs or sparks, but in the unlikely event that an
electronic component would fail, Parallax does not recommend
mounting the power converter in battery compartments or in
areas where flammable materials are stored.
Wire Routing
In order to minimize radio and T.V. interference, avoid
routing supply and output wiring across fan intake or adjacent
to ventilation slots on rear of converter.
Mounting Position
The 7400 fan cooled converters may be mounted in any
position as long as adequate ventilation is allowed for fan
intake and exhaust.
Input Supply Requirements
Connect to a 120VAC 60HZ 3 wire grounded supply with no
larger than 20 ampere circuit protection.
Mounting Clearances
Provide a minimum of three inches to the front and rear of
the converter. Do not mount in zero clearance compartments;
overheating and thermal shut down will result.