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ELECTRICAL
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 inverters are usually located in a basement
compartment of the coach. Some inverters have a remote
panel for an on/o
ff
switch in the overhead driver area or
above the entry door. When power is supplied by either
the generator or shore power, the inverter merely allows
the power to “pass through” and will then stop pulling
power from the batteries to try and supply 120 Volt
power. There is a protective breaker on the inverter to
prevent circuit overload.
Possible causes for inverter failure:
•
Overheating caused by inadequate ventilation
causing damage to the inverter
•
Overloading the circuit causing “tripped” breakers
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.
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.
The GFCI will not reduce the shock hazard if the
short is between a neutral and hot wire or two hot
load wires.
WARNING
!
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.
Summary of Contents for VENTANA 2022
Page 1: ...SM 2022...
