INVERTER/CONVERTER COMBINATIONS
Many Newmar coaches are equipped with inverter/charger combination
units, sometimes referred to as an inverter/converter unit. These units
range from 1200 to 3000 Watt and serve as a three stage charger and an
inverter. Coaches equipped with this option will also be equipped with a
120 Volt subpanel.
The subpanel is used to limit the circuits powered by the inverter(s). This is
necessary to avoid draining the batteries by supplying inverted power to all
circuits. The subpanel is located next to the main service panel. On units
equipped with an EMS, the subpanel is located in the same breaker box
but is separated in the interior of main panel. The coach battery bank
supplies the inverter 12 Volt power and has a high amp fuse link on the
positive lead from the batteries and is located near the battery bank.
The inverter/charger can be controlled by a remote panel, from another
system like SilverLeaf, or at the inverter itself. The remote panel is typically
located in the front overhead compartment or above the entry door and is
used to control the inverter and the battery charging functions. If a remote
panel is connected to the inverter, then the remote panel takes priority.
THREE-STAGE CHARGING PROCESS
The charging cycle uses three states: bulk, absorption, and float. During the initial bulk stage, the inverter charges at
near its full current ability. This causing the battery voltage to rise over time. After the battery voltage reaches the bulk
voltage setting, the charger starts the absorption stage.
During this phase, the charge rate is gradually reduced while the battery voltage is held near the bulk voltage setting.
This insures that the battery is fully charged. The float stage is initiated when the battery has been held at the bulk
voltage setting for the absorption period. At this point the battery voltage is allowed to fall to the float voltage setting,
where it is maintained until another charge cycle is initiated. This reduces gassing of the battery and keeps it fully
charged. A new three stage charging cycle is initiated after an AC source is reapplied to the AC input terminals.
GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPT (GFCI) OUTLETS
The Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt (GFCI) outlets protect the user from ground faults
between a hot wire and ground. The 120 Volt electrical outlets in the kitchen and bath
area are GFCI protected receptacles. The electrical outlets located in the Slideouts are
wired through the kitchen GFCI. The exterior electrical outlets are wired through the
bathroom GFCI. On units equipped with the floor heat option, a separate GFCI is
installed in the bathroom or near the main breaker box. Units with the holding tank heat
pad option will have an additional GFCI located in the basement area; however, the
exact location varies.
The GFCI outlets should be tested at least once a month. The 120 Volt electrical
system must be energized in order to test the GFCI. The reset button needs to be
pressed before starting the test. Then push the test button, which will cause the reset
button to pop out, confirming the protected circuits have been disconnected. Push the
reset button again until a click is heard to reactivate the protected circuit. If the GFCI is
working properly, the reset button will remain in the “IN” position. If an item plugged into
a Slideout or outside receptacle is not working, check for a tripped GFCI in the kitchen
or bathroom. Likewise, if the floor heat or holding tank heat pads are not working, check
the GFCI for that circuit.
WARNING
The GFCI will not reduce the shock hazard if the short is between a neutral and hot wire or two hot load wires.
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