Thor Motor Coach CLASS B, Owner'S Manual

Page: 55 / 116

51
8
E L E C T R I C A L S Y S T E M
T H O R M O T O R C O A C H | M A D E T O F I T
Electrical System
Introduction
Your motorhome’s electrical system is designed to provide safe,
reliable energy to power the mobile features that enhance the
RV'ing experience. The electrical system is a blend of two distinct
electrical platforms, consisting of an 120 volt alternating current
(VAC) system, and a 12 volt direct current (VDC) system. The 12
volt DC system is further segregated into the coach and the vehi-
cle segments. Both the AC and DC power systems are required in
order for your motorhome to function as intended.
Most of the electrical components of your motorhome are
designed to operate on 12 volts DC. This includes lights,
furnace and water heater control, water pump, powered
ventilation fans, awnings, and some appliances. While other
features, like the microwave oven, air conditioner, TV’s, and
DVD players operate on 120 volts AC. Provided with your
motorhome are power outlets for both 120 volts AC and 12
volts DC; so that you can conveniently power portable appli-
ances you bring along while traveling.
NOTE: Due to model variations, options, and con-
tinuous production changes offered by TMC, wiring
diagrams are not included in this manual. Any specific
questions you may have regarding the electrical sys-
tem of your motorhome should be directed to your
Dealer or to TMC’s Customer Care.
Whether a device or appliance operates on 120 volts AC
or 12 volts DC, great care must be observed while using
any electrical device and working with electrical wires
and connections. Although all electrical circuits of your
motorhome are protected by either fuses or circuit
breakers, the electrical system has the potential of
delivering dangerous electrical shock or the possibility
of fatal electrocution. A qualified electrical technician
should perform all maintenance and repairs to the
wiring, devices, or components of the electrical system.
WARNING WARNING
During very cold or very hot weather conditions, the
image on touch-screen control panels (radio, multiplex,
and other liquid crystal display (LCD) panels may appear
unclear or react slowly. Once the interior temperature of
the motorhome stabilizes, normal LCD panel display
and operations will resume.
NOTICE NOTICE
12 Volt Power System
Power for the 12 volt DC electrical devices installed in your
motorhome is supplied either by the on-board battery(ies) or
by the converter when connected to shore power or when the
generator is operating.
There are several devices of the electrical system that are
designed to control 12 volt power to and from the motor-
home’s auxiliary (coach) and chassis batteries. Battery power
management is important in order to:
• Turn the 12 volt electrical power ON and OFF
• Charge the auxiliary and chassis batteries
• Manage battery power output
• Monitor battery charge condition
• Control 12 volt devices
Following, is a brief description of the electrical devices used
to control the 12 volt power system of your motorhome.
Master Battery Disconnect Switch
Master battery disconnect
switch
When traveling, the master battery disconnect switch
must be turned ON to operate the dash radio and
backup camera system (if equipped).
NOTICE NOTICE
The master battery disconnect
switch is typically located just
inside the motorhome’s main
entrance. It is used to connect
power from the auxiliary bat-
tery(ies) to the motorhome’s
12 volt DC electrical system,
hereby providing power to
the motorhome’s interior
lighting and other 12 volt DC
devices.
USING THE MASTER BATTERY DISCONNECT
SWITCH
It is good practice to turn the master battery disconnect switch
ON when first entering the motorhome and leave the switch
ON whenever the motorhome is occupied, whether parked or
traveling.
• This will energize the 12 volt electrical system, so that
interior lights, appliance control circuits, and other 12
volt devices can be used.