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Converter
The power converter provides filtered 12 Volt DC power to the lighting and
appliance circuits. The converter charges and maintains the battery. The power
converter is built into the load center. There are some tests that can be performed
to ensure the power converter is functioning properly.
Output on the fuse terminals should read 13.6 Volts DC +/- .3 Volts.
Inspect the fuses to ensure they are not blown.
Power requirements for the converter is 120 Volts AC.
If the converter output is correct, but the battery is not charging, check the connections on the battery for
corrosion or an “open” wire between the converter and battery. If there is no interior power, the converter fuses
may be blown. If the converter fuses are blown, the battery may have been connected in reverse polarity. Correct
as necessary. If the converter has AC power and the fuses are good but there is no output from the converter, the
converter may bad. Have a qualified technician diagnose and repair the problem.
Circuit Breaker
The internal configuration of the circuit breaker is designed to trip when excess current causes the breaker to
heat up. The trip action of the circuit breaker can occur within milliseconds. Breakers are designed to operate at a
continuous load of 80% of the breaker’s rated capacity.
For example:
A breaker with a 20 Amp rating will operate
a continuous 16 Amp load. This design leaves a small amount of working capacity within the breaker. When an
inductive load is applied, such as when an electric motor turns on, the motor starts to spin and current consumption
may momentarily exceed the rated capacity of the breaker. As the electric motor comes up to operating speed, the
electric motor’s current consumption will decrease.
The AC current load then falls back into the breaker’s rated 80% set point. This electric principle should be kept
in mind when using appliances with electric motors, such as air conditioners. When using outlets, care should be
considered when applying loads such as electric motors, heaters, coffee makers, toasters, hair dryers or other large
current consuming loads. The current rating is usually stated on most electrical items. The current rating will either
be rated in amps or watts. Current ratings stated on electrical items will change slightly with voltage fluctuations.
As voltage increases, current consumption decreases. As voltage decreases, current consumption increases. This
may explain why in some instances items operated at borderline voltage to current tolerances may seem fine in one
location but problematic in another.
NOTE:
To calculate watts to Amps divide the watt figure by the voltage from which the item operates from. For
example: The electrical item is rated at 1370 watts. Divide that by the operating voltage of 115 Volts AC which
equals 11.913 Amps. Use this formula to calculate the amount of load and compare to the available power
supply.
gfcI BreakerS & oUtletS
A
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
can be found in two different types of applications. One type is
incorporated in a breaker used in 120 Volt AC breaker panels; the other is incorporated in an outlet.
The GFCI, whether it is a breaker or an outlet, offers two types of protection. One type of protection is from
over-current or shorts to guard against hazardous ground fault currents that can result in injury or death. Ground
fault currents are currents that flow from the “hot” or power terminal through a person to the ground.
For
example:
touching a faulty appliance while making contact with an electrical ground such as a water fixture or
the earth. The GFCI offers protection against the type of shock that can result from faulty insulation, wet wiring
from inside an appliance, or any device or equipment plugged in or wired to that circuit. The ground fault portion
of the outlet or breaker uses sensitive electronics inside the outlet or breaker to detect a ground fault problem.
Converter Fuses
060182ba
Converter fuses
