House Electrical - Introduction - Monaco 2009 Knight Owner's Manual

HOUSE ELEcTRIcAL - INTRODUcTION

This section contains guidelines, procedures
and information that assist in understanding
the 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,
individual component operating instructions.
General Overview:
The motorhome can utilize various sources
of electrical power: shore power connection,
generator, inverter, chassis batteries and
house batteries. All of these electrical power
sources, while independent of each other, can
be combined in a variety of ways to provide
a highly efficient 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, on-board generator or
inverter. Shore power is the most efficient
and should be used whenever possible. The
generator can be used when shore power
is unavailable. The inverter supplies silent
A/C power using the house batteries of the
motorhome. The inverter supplies AC power to
the sub-panel. However, the inverter AC power
output is limited and should be used sparingly
to conserve house battery power. Two different
sources supply the main AC circuit breaker
panel with power: the shore power cord or the
on-board generator. The power source used is
automatically selected by a switching device
known as a transfer switch. The inverter
supplies AC power to the sub-panel.
10
WARNING
The electrical system is engineered
and tested for safety. Circuit breakers
and fuses protect the electrical circuits
from overloading. When planning
modifications or additions to the
electrical system, ensure 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 outlet that may be exposed to a
water source. Such use can result in a
serious shock causing injury or death.
12 Volt DC System:
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 charge the house
batteries. Likewise, while 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.
Chassis and House System:
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 compartment. 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 located in
the bedroom. This panel contains fuses for the
house interior lighting and appliances. Become
familiar with these panels and the items they
operate.
Maintenance:
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
specifications.
Why Batteries are Important:
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.