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House Electrical
SECTION NINE
HOUSE ELECTRICAL — INTRODUCTION
This section contains information, guidelines and
procedures on the operation of the house electrical
system . Refer to the OEM manuals included in the
Owner’s Information File box for respective, in-depth,
individual component operating instructions .
General Overview:
The motorhome can utilize various sources of electrical
power: shore power connection, generator, chassis
batteries and house batteries . All of these electrical
power sources, while independent of each other, can be
combined in a variety of ways to provide a highly efficient
electrical operating system . Two types of electrical
systems are used: 120 Volt AC and 12 Volt DC .
The motorhome 120 Volt AC system can be operated
from three different power sources: shore power, on-
board generator or the inverter . Shore power is the
most efficient and should be used whenever possible .
The generator can be used when shore power is
unavailable . Two different sources supply the main AC
circuit breaker panel with power: the shore power cord
or the on-board generator .
12 Volt DC System:
The motorhome has two 12 Volt DC systems: chassis
and house . These two systems, for the most part, are
separate from one another . The house system does
not operate engine functions; the engine system does
not operate house functions . However, within the two
systems there are some inner connections . For example:
While the motorhome is driven, the alternator on the
engine will supply charge voltage to the house batteries .
Conversely, while the motorhome is plugged into shore
power, or the generator is running, the chassis batteries
are being charged . Each system will supply 12 Volt DC
power to the 12 Volt DC distribution panels .
Chassis and House System:
The chassis and house systems have their own sets
of batteries . The chassis batteries supply 12 Volt
DC power to the front electrical panel and front
distribution box . These panels contain mostly engine
system circuits and wiring such as headlights, taillights,
dashboard functions, gauges, etc . The house batteries
supply 12 Volt DC power to the distribution panel . This
panel contains fuses for the house, interior lighting and
appliances . Become familiar with these panels and the
items they operate .
Maintenance:
It is important to keep the 12 Volt DC systems in good
working order as many of these systems use electronics .
These systems, with their incorporated electronics,
are voltage sensitive . Some items can be damaged if
the DC voltage is not maintained within the designed
specifications .
Why Batteries are Important:
A majority of the lighting and appliances are designed
to operate from 12 Volt DC (direct current) power . This
is why the batteries play such an important role in
the function of the motorhome . There are exceptions
with appliances such as the microwave or television;
however, indirectly they still operate from 12 Volt DC
power, as they can be operated from the inverter . The
chassis functions (engine, transmission, dash air, etc .)
are also 12 Volt DC .
Shore Power:
The motorhome is equipped with a shore power cord to
connect the motorhome to outside electrical services .
Shore power service is the most efficient source of
electrical power . The shore cord is rated 30 Amp 120
Volt AC . Electrical adapters may be necessary to allow
a proper and safe connection to the electrical service
supply when this type of power source is not available .
WARNING:
The electrical system is engineered and tested
for safety . Circuit breakers and fuses protect the
electrical circuits from overloading . When planning
modifications or additions to the electrical system,
ensure safety of the electrical system . Please note
that any modifications may void the warranty .
WARNING:
Water is electrically conductive . DO NOT use any
electrically powered item or outlet that may be
exposed to a water source . Such use can result in a
serious shock causing injury or death .
Summary of Contents for Class A Gas 2020
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