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Below is a generic drawing with circuit breaker alignment. Your travel trailer may not be
exactly the same as shown depending on the model, floor plan, and options.
1
=
30-amp main, incoming power to travel trailer.
2
=
20-amp circuit to air conditioning
3
=
15-amp microwave oven.
4&5
=
15-amp to general purpose circuits.
6
=
Spare
CONSUMPTION OF 120-VOLT POWER
As owners desire and purchase more appliances as we have in our home, we must
remember an RV has only 30-amps of incoming power available. Conserving and
choosing which appliance has priority in consumption needs to be part of planning.
In addition, loose items such as toasters, skillets, coffee pots, etc. are often included in
traveling cargo. Include these in your consumption planning.
12-Volt DC System
The 12-volt system is composed of numerous items such as converter, battery, fuses,
wire, and bulbs, both interior and exterior lighting. Explanation on these items will
follow in this section.
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CAUTION:
Your RV has many 12-volt DC loads. When combined, they
total more power consumption than is available with the 12-volt DC con-
verter. Periodic overloads can be handled with the additional auxiliary battery for
short periods of time. It is suggested to conserve your 12-volt DC system at most
times. Prolonged overload may shorten the performance life of converter.
CONVERTER
A converter utilizes 120-volt AC power and transforms this energy into 12-volt DC
power, which is used inside of your camper. 12-volt DC energy supplies power to all
interior lights and various appliances. The floor plan, and size of the camper dictates the
model and output size of the converter required.
Inside the converter is an electronic device which automatically switches between 120-
volt AC incoming power and battery power. An auxiliary battery as correctly installed
will be charged when the travel trailer is connected up to 120-volt AC power. The
converter will supply power through the fuse panel located near by, possibly in the same
compartment.
Fig. 4-12
It is strongly recommended to avoid the use of extension cords. If an extension cord is
used, it MUST be the same amperage rating as the RV power cord. Using an improper
extension cord will cause overheating of the cord and equipment as well as possibly
causing premature failure of the AC equipment.
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WARNING:
Do not use an adapter, cheater or extension cord that will
break the continuity of the grounding circuit connected to the third pin.
NEVER remove the grounding pin to connect a non-grounded, two-prong
receptacle. Any deviation from this will potentially cause a fire from overheating.
CIRCUIT BREAKERS AND BOX
On a 30-amp system, up to 5 circuits are permitted to distribute power through the travel
trailer. All breakers are sized according to power to be consumed.
1
WARNING:
Do not replace breakers or fuses with any that are rated
at a higher amperage. Over fusing may cause a fire by over heating the
wire.
G.F.C.I.
Each unit contains a Ground Fault Current Interrupter (G.F.C.I.) outlet. This special
breaker has been designed to reduce the possible injury caused by electrical shock.
An example of ground fault current is the current which would flow through a person
who is using or touching an appliance with faulty insulation and, at the same time, is in
contact with an electrical ground such as a plumbing fixture, wet floor, or earth.
This G.F.C.I. receptacle will not protect against short circuits or overloads. The circuit
breaker or fuse in the electrical panel which supplies power to the circuit provides this
protection.
When the G.F.C.I. receptacle is tripped, it has interrupted ground fault current caused by
such things as faulty insulation or wet wiring inside some appliance or equipment
connected to the circuit. The faulty equipment should be repaired before it is used again.
This special receptacle should be tested monthly while the camper is being used. See the
manufacturer’s owner’s manual for more instructions.
TESTING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Plug a lamp or radio into the receptacle on the face of the GFCI.
2. Push and release the RESET button.
3. The lamp should light at this time.
4. Press the TEST button.
5. The RESET button should pop out indicating it has been “tripped” and the lamp
should go out. (If the GFCI is manufactured with an indicator light, the light should
glow when the device has tripped.)
6. If the GFCI did not “trip”, do not use the outlet. Call a qualified electrician to
service or replace the receptacle. The ground fault protection is no longer working
and the GFCI may not be working properly.
7. To restore power after “tripping”, press in the RESET button. It must remain in. (If
an indicator light is furnished, it will be off.)
