Power Converter/Inverter; Fuses And Circuit Breakers - forest river Travel Trailer Owner's Manual

1. Disconnect the battery from the recreational
vehicle.
2. Check electrolyte status before charging. Be
sure each cell is properly filled with distilled
water.
3. Use care when connecting and disconnecting
the cables from chargers. A poor connection
can cause an electrical arc, which can result
in an explosion.
4. Remove the battery vent caps before charging
and be sure that the electrolyte solution does
not splash out as a result of charging too
quickly. NEVER attempt to open a mainte-
nance free battery.
5. Read the literature supplied by the battery
manufacturer and follow all their warnings or
precautions as stated in their manual.
6. For more information, please consult the
individual owner's manual or on-line at
www.forestriverinc.com.

Power Converter/Inverter

The converter is used to switch 120 volt electricity, from
an external supply or from the generator, to 12 volt elec-
tricity. Under normal conditions, the converter requires
no maintenance. If the converter does not have a
120 volt supply to convert to 12 volt, it automatically
switches the batteries into the electrical circuit to power
12 volt functions. When reconnected to a 120 volt power
source, it will again operate from that source.
NOTE:
The converter will run warm, which is normal. If, how-
ever, it gets too hot, it will turn itself off. After it cools, it
will come back on. In most cases, shut down occurs due
to poor ventilation.
NOTE:
A slight hum during operation is also normal for the con-
verter. If you have no 12 volt power and no hum, check
to see if 120 volt power to the converter has been inter-
rupted.

Fuses and Circuit Breakers

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
The 120VAC outlet in some possible wet locations are
equipped with a protective circuit interrupter. The ground
fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is designed to break the
flow of current to the protected outlet when an imbalance
DANGER
LIVING QUARTERS
of current is detected. Imbalances include electrical leak-
age in an appliance, such as a shaver or hair dryer, that
has developed a weak spot in electrical insulation. The
possibility of electrocution exists when using a faulty
appliance while at the same time being in contact with an
electrical ground, such as water, plumbing, or the earth.
If an imbalance is detected, the GFCI will trip and shut off
power to the outlet. Even with GFCI protection, the elec-
trical shock will still be felt, but to a lesser degree. It also
does not protect against short circuits or system over-
loads. Circuit breakers in the main panel, which supply
power to the circuit, will trip if either of these conditions
exists. The GFCI receptacle should be tested initially
when the recreational vehicle is purchased and a least
monthly thereafter.
Even with GFCI protection, persons with severe
heart or other health problems may still be seri-
ously affected by an electrical shock. The GFCI
outlet is not a substitute for good electrical safety.
It does not protect against contact of the hot and
neutral wire at the same time. (The GFCI does not
protect any circuit other than the one to which it is
connected.)
To test the circuit, use the following procedure:
1. Make sure power to the circuit is ON.
2. Push the test button.
3. The reset button should pop out.
4. All power should be interrupted to outlets protected
by the GFCI.
5. Verify by plugging in a light at these outlets and
pushing in the red reset button. If the button does
not pop out after pushing the test button or GFCI
circuit continues to trip, immediately turn off power
at the circuit breaker panel and have a qualified
electrician service it.
Circuit Breakers
The 120VAC system is protected by circuit breakers.
These breakers automatically trip if the circuit load is too
heavy or a short circuit occurs. If a circuit breaker has
been tripped, do not reset the breaker until the cause of
the problem is identified and corrected.
• The generator may have one (4.0 KW) or two
(5.5 KW & larger) breakers and a DC fuse on the
generator control panel. If an interruption in genera-
tor operation occurs, check to see if any of these
have been tripped; consult the manuals provided
with the generator before attempting maintenance
on the generator. For more information, please con-
sult the individual owner's manual or on-line at
www.forestriverinc.com.
29
DANGER