House Electrical - Introduction - Holiday Rambler Imperial 2008 Owner's Manual

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS - HOUSE — 8

HOUSE ELECTRICAL - INTRODUCTION

This section contains guidelines, procedures
and information that will assist in understanding
the domestic electrical system and the operation
of various components. Refer to the OEM
manuals included in the Owner's Information
File box for their respective, in-depth
component operating instructions.
General Overview:
The motorhome can utilize various sources
of electrical power: shore power connection,
generator, inverter, solar panels (optional),
chassis batteries and domestic batteries.
All of these electrical power sources, while
independent of each other, can be combined in
a variety of ways to provide a highly effi cient
electrical operating system. Two types of
electrical systems are used: 120/240 Volt AC
and 12 Volt DC.
The motorhome 120/240 Volt AC system
can be operated from three different power
sources: shore power, the on-board generator
or the inverter/charger. Shore power is the most
effi cient and should be used whenever possible.
The generator can be used when shore power
is unavailable. The inverter/charger supplies
silent AC power using the house batteries of the
motorhome. The inverter supplies AC power
to the sub-panel. However, the inverter/charger
AC power output is limited and should be used
sparingly to conserve house battery power.
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Two different sources supply the main AC
circuit breaker panel with power: the 50 Amp
shore power cord or the on-board generator. The
power source used is automatically selected by a
switching device known as a transfer switch.
WARNING:
The electrical system is engineered
and tested for complete safety. Circuit
breakers and fuses protect the electrical
circuits from overloading. When
planning modifications or additions
to the electrical system, we strongly
recommend consulting a dealer for
assistance to ensure continued integrity
and safety of the electrical system.
Please note that any modifications may
void the warranty.
WARNING:
Water is electrically conductive. DO
NOT use any electrically powered item
or electrical outlet that may be exposed
to a water source. Such use can result in
a serious shock causing injury or death.
The motorhome has two 12 Volt DC systems:
chassis and house. These two systems, for the
most part, are separate from one another. The
house system does not operate engine functions;
the engine system does not operate house
functions. However, within the two systems
there are some inner connections. For example:
While the motorhome is driven the alternator on
the engine will maintain house battery volage
when the motorhome is plugged into shore
power, or the generator is running, the engine
batteries are being charged. Each system will
supply 12 Volt DC power to the 12 Volt DC
distribution panels.
2 00 8 I MP E R I A L
The chassis and house systems have their own
sets of batteries. The chassis batteries supply 12
Volt DC power to the front distribution panel
located outside in the front roadside bay. This
panel contains mostly engine system circuits and
wiring such as headlights, taillight, dashboard
functions, gauges, etc. The house batteries
supply 12 Volt DC power to the distribution
panel and multiplex, generally located in the
bedroom. These fuses are for the house interior
lighting and appliances. Become familiar with
these fuses and the items they operate.
With all the technological advancements
taking place in the past several years
manufacturers have now incorporated
electronics into these systems. It is important to
keep the 12 Volt DC systems in good working
order. These systems, with their incorporated
electronics, are voltage sensitive. Some items
can be damaged if the DC voltage is not
maintained within the designed specifi cations.
A majority of the lighting and appliances are
designed to operate from 12 Volt DC (direct
current) power. This is why the batteries
play such an important role in the function
of the motorhome. There are exceptions with
appliances such as the microwave or television;
however, indirectly they still operate from 12
Volt DC power as they can be operated from
the inverter. The chassis functions (engine,
transmission, dash air, etc.) are also 12 Volt DC.