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2008 knight
elecTrical sysTems - house — 8
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Shore Power:
The motorhome is equipped with a shore
power cord to connect the motorhome to outside
electrical services. Shore power service is the
most efficient source of electrical power. The
plug end of the shore power cord is 50 Amp120/
240 Volt AC. When this type of power source is
not available, electrical adapters will be required
to allow a proper and safe connection to the
electrical service supply.
NOTE
When 50 Amp shore service is not
available, care will have to be used when
operating the appliances and using the
outlets to avoid overloading the shore
power service.
Summary of Contents for 2008 Knight
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Page 46: ...driving safety 2 42 2008 Knight Weighing Procedure Worksheet Example Worksheet 020255b conv...
Page 47: ...2008 KNight 43 driving safety 2 Weight Record Sheet Actual Worksheet 020255b...
Page 52: ...driving safety 2 48 2008 Knight Notes...
Page 76: ...exterior interior care 3 72 2008 Knight Notes...
Page 190: ...electrical systems chassis 9 186 2008 Knight engine no start flow chart...
Page 233: ...2008 KNight chassis information 10 229 Notes...
Page 237: ...2008 KNight chassis information 10 233 Battery Specification Charts...
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