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WAECO USA, Inc.
19
VOLTAGE DROPS
When in the starting mode, the ColdMachine may momentarily
draw nearly 10 amps, even though the continuous running
current is between 3 and 5 amps. If the electronic control module
does not “see” at least 11.0V DC during the start period, it will
abort. Therefore, to avoid erratic problems, the supply wiring
must be correctly sized-please see Wire Size Table.
Make your wiring connection in one of these three ways:
1.
Directly to the battery via a 15A breaker
(recommended). (*) See note.
2.
To a heavy output terminal on the battery selector switch,
via a 15A breaker (recommended).
3.
To the ship’s distribution breaker panel. This method is
acceptable if the selected breaker is directly re-wired to
the main battery selector switch with
its own heavy wire.
If not directly re-wired, the voltage drops within the panel
will be excessive and cause erratic operation.
Use the shortest possible route for wiring between the unit and
battery to avoid voltage drops.
Install a 15 amp circuit breaker in the positive leg for line
protection. The circuit breaker is also necessary for long “off”
periods because even with the thermostat off, there is still a milli-
amp range current flow in the system.
Make sure that all wiring conforms to applicable safety
regulations. Note that a replaceable 15 amp fuse located on the
condensing unit provides backup protection in case the breaker
should fail in the shorted condition.
Use marine quality connectors and circuit breaker to prevent
voltage drops in the supply circuit to the ColdMachine. Also, do
not install voltage dropping devices such as indicator lights, volt
and amp meters, etc., in the 12 volt DC wiring circuit.
Correct polarity is critical. If you connect in reverse, the system
will not operate. Should this occur, correct your wiring. The
system will automatically re-start.
(*)
NOTE:
The main fuse on the CM or SCM junction box is 15
amp. WAECO calls for a 15 amp breaker in the (+) DC
supply for several reasons:
1.
The breaker will generally trip before the fuse will blow,
thus saving a crawl through the bilge.
2.
The installer may use an incorrect higher-rated breaker, so
the 15A fuse will still provide proper circuit protection.
3.
In very hot ambient temperatures, the largest systems may
briefly draw more than 10 amps for a few seconds,
resulting in nuisance trips if a 10A breaker is fitted.
MAKING THE POWER CONNECTIONS
Use color-coded wire so you know which is positive (+) and
which is negative (-). Connect the positive wire to the (+) screw
on the terminal strip. Contact the (-) terminal screw to the
negative lead to the battery, or the main negative terminal or
busbar.
WIRE SIZE
Wire size is critical. If you use undersized wire, your system will
run erratically, often fail to start, produce unsatisfactory cooling
and fail early in its service life. Use a wire gauge size based on
the total distance from the compressor unit to the battery selector
switch.
WIRE SIZE TABLE
Maximum distance from
Gauge
compressor unit to battery
AWG
4’ and under
#14
5’ to 10’
#12
11’ to 17’
#10
18’ to 27’
#8*
28’ to 35’
#6*
36’ to 50’
#4*
*The terminal block on the junction box will accept #10 AWG wire
maximum. If you need to run heavier wiring, you should
terminate it at a suitable-sized heavy terminal strip and run #10
AWG from there to your condensing unit.
