Atwood APC32 Installation, Operation And Maintenance - Page 2

Browse online or download pdf Installation, Operation And Maintenance for Automobile Accessories Atwood APC32. Atwood APC32 3 pages. Converter / charger for motorhome

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4. ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS. A 120 VAC receptacle needs to

be located within 36 inches of the converter to supply

power. Electrical consideration should also be given to

mounting near the locations of the RV batteries and the

12-volt distribution panel to minimize wiring lengths.

5. ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS. Be sure to tighten all connections

securely. A loose connection can quickly cause terminals

and wires to overheat. Review unit labels for recommended

terminal torque values.

A. 12 VDC: It is important to use the correct wire gauge for

the specific model selected. As an example the APC-32

is a 32 amp Converter/Charger which would require a 10

AWG wire.

• An 8 AWG copper wire minimum must be connected

from the vehicle chassis to the chassis lug.

• The terminal marked "-" is for the system 12 VDC

negative connection.

• The terminal marked "+" is for the 12 VDC system

positive connection.

• The APC series Converter/Charger is current limiting

by design and therefore the output wiring does not

require overcurrent protection. However, all electrical

connections need to comply with the appropriate

NEC code.

B. 120 VAC Connections: Using the power cord on the

Converter/Charger, connect to the 120 VAC receptacle.

TROUBLESHOOTING

MODELS: APC 32, 45 & 55

Reverse Battery Protection Fuses

Output Terminals

Before replacing converter perform the following

checks:

1. Disconnect the AC power from the coach.

2. Disconnect the wire from the "Positive Output

Terminal".

3. Re-connect the AC power.

4. Using the voltmeter read the DC voltage at the

terminals on the converter.

• If the reading is greater than 13.4 VDC, but less

than 13.8 VDC the converter is operating properly.

Earth Ground/Chassis Lug

6. TEST. Energize the Converter circuit. To test for proper

output power, use a multimeter and measure output voltage

from the positive and negative terminals with no load on the

converter (All DC fuses must be removed.) The voltage

should read 13.6 +/-0.2VDC. Replace fuses and turn on a

load to about 2/3 of the rated capacity of the converter.

Recheck voltage, which should remain approximately the

same as at no load.

7. BATTERY. Connect the positive terminal to a known good

battery. With the converter energized, measure the voltage

at the converter and at the battery. The voltage should be

about the same in both locations. As with any battery it is

important that the fluid level be checked on a regular basis.

When continuously connected to any charging source all

batteries will "Gas" and lose some fluid.

8. HI-POT TESTING. (RV Manufacturing Facilities Only) Do not Hi-

Pot DC wiring with the Converter/Charger connected to the

RV wiring.

Reverse Battery Protection Fuses

Output Terminals

PROBLEM

• 120 VAC not connected to coach.

No 12 VDC Output

• Converter circuit breaker in OFF position.

• Reverse battery fuses blown.

• Internal converter failure.

• Shorted output.

• Fan air flow inadequate.

Converter cycles

on and off

• Internal converter failure.

• Load excessive for rating of converter.

Low Output

• Battery has bad cells.

• Internal converter failure.

MODELS: APC 75

Earth Ground/Chassis Lug

SOLUTION