Mandalay 38A 2004, Owner'S Manual

Page: 71 / 94

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
GENERAL INFORMATION
The electrical power supply provided for the RV is a dual system, operating with 110 volt AC and/or 12 volt DC.
The 110 volt power may be provided by either connecting the RV to an outside power source when parked, or
by use of a RV generator. When the 110 volt system is operational, power also passes through a system
inverter, allowing the full use of all 12 volt functions in the RV.
110 volt appliances in the RV include the refrigerator, ice maker, air conditioning, TV & VCR, microwave oven,
inverter, washer/dryer, hot water heater, and some lights. The refrigerator and water heater also have the
option to run on LP gas when 110 volt is not available. All other lights and functions are supplied with 12 volt
power.
When it is not possible to access 110 volt power, the 12 volt system functions can be supplied by the coach
batteries. The chassis battery is protected by a battery isolator controller to prevent discharge from excessive
electrical consumption when motorhome is not running. The coach batteries are recharged by the power
inverter when the RV is attached to an outside 110 volt power source, or by the generator when it is running,
and by the chassis alternator when the chassis engine is running.
CONNECTING TO AN OUTSIDE POWER SOURCE
A 50 amp shoreline power cord is provided to attach the RV to a grounded power source. The electric utility
service connection is located on the driver’s side of the RV in the rally kit compartment. There is a porthole in
the bottom of the compartment to allow the power cord to be hooked up and the door to be closed. Never use a
two wire extension cord, a cheater adapter with the ground pin removed, or put a lower amperage plug on your
power cord in place of the molded plug. It would be a wise idea to carry a voltage meter with you to insure the
power source is putting out the proper voltage and that it is properly grounded before plugging your RV into it.
WARNING: Connecting power cord to a non-grounded or improperly grounded power
source can result in a dangerous and possibly fatal electric shock. Because of the potential
danger in failing to heed this warning, the RV manufacturer cannot be responsible should
damage, injury, or death result from failure to connect the power cord to a properly
grounded power source.
CAUTION: If shore power service is limited to 15 or 20 Amps, use of light duty extension
cords and electrical adapters will create a voltage loss through the cord and at each
electrical connection. Line voltage loss and the resistance at each electrical connection
can be a hazardous combination. Damage to sensitive electronic equipment may result!
Mandalay 10-1
!
Mandalay
Mandalay
Mandalay
!