Thor Motor Coach Class C, Owner'S Manual

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Thor MoTor CoaCh
ELECTrICaL SYSTEMS
6.1
POWER CONVERTER
The converter is used to switch 120V electricity from an external supply, or from the generator, to 12 Volt
electricity to power interior lights and 12 Volt accessories. The converter requires no maintenance under
normal circumstances.
If the converter does not have a 120V supply to convert to 12 Volt, it automatically switches the batteries into
the electrical circuit to power 12 Volt functions. When reconnected to a 120V supply, it will again operate from
this power source.
The converter will run warm and this is normal. If, however, it gets too hot, it will turn itself off. After it cools
down, it will come back on. In most cases, when this happens it is because something has been put around
or too near the converter preventing it from receiving adequate ventilation. Make sure not to put anything near
the converter that could obstruct ventilation.
A slight hum during operation is also normal for the converter, if you do not have 12 Volt power and no hum,
check to see if 120 volt power to the converter has been interrupted.
GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER
Even with GFCI protection, persons with severe heart or other health problems may still be
seriously affected by an electrical shock. The GFCI outlet is not a substitute for good electrical
safety. It DOES NOT protect against contact of the hot and neutral wire at the same time.
The 120 volt outlet in the kitchen and/or bath and outside recepts are equipped with a protective circuit
interrupter. The ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), is designed to break the flow of current to the protected
outlet when an imbalance of current is detected. Imbalances include electrical leakage in an appliance such as
a shaver or hair dryer that have developed a weak spot in electrical insulation. The possibility of electrocution
exists when using a faulty appliance, while at the same time being in contact with an electrical ground such
as water, plumbing, or the earth.
If an imbalance is detected, the GFCI will trip and shut off power to the outlet.
It also does not protect against short circuits or system overloads. Circuit breakers in the main panel which
supply power to the circuit, will trip if either of these conditions exist.
The GFCI receptacle should be tested initially when the motor home is purchased, and at least monthly
thereafter.
To test the circuit, use the following procedure:
1. Make sure power is on to the circuit. A test light or 120 volt lamp will work.
2. Push the test button.
3. The red reset button should pop out.
4. All power should be interrupted to outlets protected by the GFCI.
5. Verify by plugging in a light at these outlets, and pushing in the reset button.
If the red reset button does not pop out after pushing the test button, or GFCI
circuit continues to trip, or if the power is not interrupted to the test light,
immediately turn off power at the circuit breaker panel and have a qualified
electrician check it out.
Note: The GFCI does not protect any circuit other than the one to which it is
connected.