Fussing over Fusing

[kayakrguy]

AF--

Bingo! Converter....that was my missing 'link' thank you.

Now, are there converters that are also chargers? If so, what are good ones in terms of safety, reliability? Almost everything I will do in the cabin will be 12 volts except the AC which I will use 120 for. I might have a 120 outlet in the cabin and the galley for other stuff--all recepts will be connected to gfci

Jim

[madjack]

Jim, a converter will indeed charge your battery...be sure to get one that has true 3 stage charging for best results...check these out... http://www.bestconverter.com/Centurion- ... _c_63.html
...you can also just use the battery with a good 3 stage charger overit such as the Deltrans shown here http://www.batterymart.com/battery.mv?p=DEL-022-0157-1
madjack

[kayakrguy]

MJ,

Thanks for those recommendations. Not having run DC--except for flashlights cell phones etc...or using my old Sears two step to charge the car battery, this stuff is new to me. Will either of these converters allow you to run your cabin stuff at the same time you're charging the battery? Common sense tells me that they could not charge the battery while you're drawing off the battery to power the cabin--so they would need separate internal circuitry to 1) charge the battery, 2) while also running cabin stuff....?

Thanks again,

Jim

[Sonetpro]

Jim,
I have the WFCO converter MJ reffered to at best converters. It will charge the battery and run the TD at the same time. The charging is fully automatic. I leave mine plugged in all the time. Even when not in use, It keeps the battery's topped.

[madjack]

Jim, the Deltrans is rated as a switching power supply, which is what the converter is, so yes they will both run your cabin stuff and charge your battery all at the same time...the converter has the added ability to be a power distribution system for both 12vdc and 120vac..........
madjack

[kayakrguy]

'Pro and MJ,

Ears are burning!....sometimes I read stuff that makes me think James Bond has begun building a T and M5 is providing the equipment <g> Here is what has my head spinning--

'the converter has the added ability to be a power distribution system for both 12vdc and 120vac'

OK, this means, to my simple mind, that the converter can take the place of a dc AND an ac panel???!!! Right????

Now, mind you such a device would be welcome--but I would appreciate a little ummmmmm.....ahhhhhh....enlightement-12vdc or 120 vac <g>
This thing is beginning to sound like the 'perpetual motion machine' or frictionless wheel!

So, if a primer about how this works can be had, point me to it...it sounds like a good solution for a simple electrical setup...??

Thank you, guys I learn something everyday here. I usually understand it about a week later <g>

Jim

[madjack]

OK, this means, to my simple mind, that the converter can take the place of a dc AND an ac panel???!!! Right????

...that is exactly correct...these units are designed to provide all of your power distribution needs...both 12vdc and 120vac.....
installation and owners manual...pdf
The unit I linked to provides for 2-120vac breakers and 4-12vdc fuses...additional circuits can be added by running an aux 120vac box to the breakers provided or running an aux 12vdc fuse block to one of the fuses........
madjack

[kayakrguy]

Wow! Guess I am repeating myself...<g>

I am convinced that for starting out these babies would suit my needs just fine. Is there any advantage to WFCO or Deltran that would swing a choice one way or the other or is it a flip of the coin? Thanks again,

Jim

[madjack]

...flipflipflipflip ...actually the WFCO would probably be simpler.....................................

[kayakrguy]

Phobia cofession:

Aha! 'Simpler'--for personal reasons having nothing to do with this forum I am scared to death of the words 'simple' 'simpler' As used hereabouts it involves phrases like 'Would you mind doing/fixing/changing x?--it really looks pretty simple...' Inevitably, it isn't!

So, MJ, would you mind parsing 'simpler' as it applies to the converters? What makes the WFCO 'simpler'?

Thanks,

Jim

[asianflava]

I can relate. At work when the previous shift pass down to you and says, "All you gotta do is....." You know that there will be more involved that what they told you.

[Sonetpro]

Jim,
The WFCO is simpler in as all your electric is contained in one panel.
I have the 25 amp It wires to the shore power inlet. This powers the converter as well as gives you 2 circut breakers for your AC outlets. I have my Air conditioner on one breaker and two outlets on the other.
On the other side of the panel I have 3 fuse circuits for 12V (really has 4 fuse slots but one protects the battery)
It makes it simple that you don't have to wire in a 12V converter and then also have to wire in a AC panel.
If you go that way let me know. I have a schematic of how it needs to be wired. The directions that come with it are sketchy at best.

[kayakrguy]

Hi Steve,

If I get the WFCO I would appreciate the schematics. I have done AC wiring...but never have worked with a panel setup--always left that to the electrician...I ran wires, installed switches, receptacles, lights etc...so thank you for that offer!

Why did you choose WFCO over Deltran...that is IF you made that choice...?

Jim

[kayakrguy]

AF,

Oh yes, ....'all you gotta do is...' makes the hall of fame list of things that will lead to more trouble than an alligator pit...

Jim

[Sonetpro]

Hi Steve,

If I get the WFCO I would appreciate the schematics. I have done AC wiring...but never have worked with a panel setup--always left that to the electrician...I ran wires, installed switches, receptacles, lights etc...so thank you for that offer!

Why did you choose WFCO over Deltran...that is IF you made that choice...?

Jim

Jim, The main reason was the whole thing in one panel. The other was the fact I run 2 100 amp hour AGM's and needed (wanted ) the 25 amp charger for faster recharge time.
I camp on battery power 90% of the time. I only run my generator when the A/C is running or I'm making coffee, so I only get 120V a few hours a day when camping.