09 Electrical Features
General Information
There are two electrical systems in your Wayfarer motorhome. These are the 12-volt DC (VDC) system and the 120-volt AC (VAC) system. Most standard appliances require the 120-VAC system, while the majority of the lighting systems used in the Wayfarer use the 12-VDC electrical system.
The electrical power for the 12 VDC system is supplied by the batteries of the Wayfarer. Those batteries are charged by a power converter. The alternator also charges the batteries when the engine is running.
The electrical power for the 120 VAC is supplied by the 30 AMP shore power cord when the Wayfarer is connected to an external power source or when the on-board electrical generator is in operation. The inverter can also supply 120 VAC electrical power (to limited outlets and limited appliances) the items onboard the Wayfarer are powered by the inverter are limited to Televisions and Refrigerator —the inverter transforms the 12 VDC electrical power from the batteries into the 120 VAC electrical power needed for the basic appliances.
To connect the Wayfarer to an external source of 120 VAC electrical power, it is first recommended that main 30- amp circuit breaker is in the “off” position. This is done to prevent any power surge upon connecting the motorhome to the external power source. Then unwind the power cord from the electrical compartment located in an external compartment. The standard, flexible, power cord supplied with the Wayfarer is designed to handle 30 amperes. Make sure that the pins in the male end of the plug are oriented correctly so they match the power cable, and they are in good condition (i.e., aren’t bent or damaged).
NOTE: Do not attempt to use any electrical adapters to convert the provided 30amp power cord, as this will damage electrical components inside the motorhome.
If there is a circuit breaker switch at the “plug” end of the power cord, that breaker should be turned “Off” before making the connection. Insert the plug into the mating outlet and then turn the circuit breaker “On.” Close and lock the electrical compartment door to protect the contents and to keep them clean and dry. Close the cover on the power box, if so equipped, to avoid an unintentional disconnection and to keep the contents clean and dry. Then switch the main breaker to the “On” position.
Electrical Features
When properly connected, the 120 VAC system provides power to all the 120 VAC circuits and outlets when the main breaker is turned “On.”
Circuit Breaker Boxes
For the Wayfarer, the 120 VAC and 12 VDC breaker/fuse boxes are located in the bedroom; See Figure 9-1. The circuit breakers and fuses are installed to protect the electrical system of the Wayfarer from any overloads. Do not attempt to change the electrical circuitry or to add appliances yourself.
Please consult an authorized Tiffin Motorhomes Dealership or Tiffin Motorhomes, incorporated in Winfield AL to determine whether any changes you desire are appropriate and acceptable. Tiffin Motorhomes’ qualified staff of electricians can readily determine whether any changes sought (e.g. solar, radio, amateur radio, satellite television receiver, personal computer system, and the like) are possible or not and can advise you on how best to realize these enhancements.
Please note that the 12 VDC fuses and breakers are located in a separate compartment adjoining the 120 VAC breakers. Fusing is provided for the following 12 VDC CIRCUITS: Refrigerator power, Radio power, HD Antenna / Satellite Booster Power, and Thermostat Power. When the ignition is on, the chassis batteries and house batteries will automatically merge to charge batteries when vehicle is in operation. NO SWITCH.
Battery Distribution Center
The motorcoach is equipped with a 12 VDC battery distribution center, located in the coach’s battery compartment. The center has a 200-amp main coach disconnect / breaker which will turn off all 12volt battery power to the motorhome. There is also (2) fuses of 250amp, and 60amp which distributes the 12 VDC power to system components within the motorhome.
When the 200 amp 12 VDC main circuit breaker is shut down or electrically tripped, it must be manually reset. This breaker protects the slide-outs, the AC ignition, the electric step, the 30-amp ignition system, and the 12 VDC disconnect system. As needed, manually reset the circuit breaker or breakers.
Be careful when working around these connections as an accidental electrical short to ground (i.e., momentarily connecting the “positive” or “hot” terminal to any part of the chassis) can be hazardous and harmful. To access the battery distribution center, open the access panel on the steps. When access to the batteries are no longer needed, close and securely fasten the access cover to place these steps back in service.
Battery Inspection and Care
The motorcoach batteries which constitute the 12 VDC system are contained inside the motorcoach entrance step well.
To access these batteries (Figure 9-2), open the access panel on the steps. When access to the batteries is no longer needed, close and securely fasten the access cover to place these steps back in service.
When batteries are not used for extended periods of time, they will gradually lose their electrical charge. Therefore, it is necessary periodically to recharge the batteries to increase the operational lives of the batteries. It is also necessary to check the external condition of the batteries on a regular basis.
Look for cracks in the battery case and cover. Check the vent plugs and replace them if they are cracked or broken. Keep the battery clean. Since accumulations of dirt and acid residue around the battery terminals may provide an electrical path for discharging the battery, the area around the terminals should be cleaned periodically. One can use an old toothbrush and a sparse amount of a diluted solution of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and water (distilled or de-ionized, preferred; tap water, acceptable) to clean and neutralize any acidic build-up around the battery terminals. If there is any foaming on the top of the battery, this indicates that acidic residues are being neutralized. Rinse the cleaned areas thoroughly with distilled or de-ionized water (tap water is okay, too).
Avoid getting the baking-soda solution into the battery fill plugs to each battery cell; this would drastically reduce the effectiveness of the battery (by neutralizing the sulfuric acid in the battery cells) or, worse, “kill” the battery. Dry the battery cables and terminals to prevent corrosion; to protect those terminals further, use a plastic ignition spray on the terminals. Do not use grease on the terminals, especially on the metal-to-metal connections, as grease may act as an insulator and keep the battery electrical power from entering the cables.
If the batteries are not going to be used for an extended period of time, they should be removed from the Wayfarer and stored in a warm, dry place.
IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that this service be performed by a qualified service technician, as the process is usually too complicated for the average owner to perform. For those who may wish to perform this service themselves, the following procedure is described: Mark the battery cables (“+” sign or “red” for the positive cable; “-” sign or “black” for the negative cable) so that they can be properly reconnected again later. These batteries would require periodic recharging to maintain their full charge.
Following manufacturer’s recommendations as found in the Owner’s Information Package, periodically check the fluid levels in all the cells of the batteries (be sure to use safety eyewear during this process) and fill those that are low with water (distilled or de-ionized water is preferred; DO NOT use tap water). Don’t overfill the cells; follow the filling directions exactly. This battery check-up should be done on a regular basis to realize the fullest service possible from the batteries over the longest time possible. If the Wayfarer is to be stored for an extended period of time, the 12 VDC battery system should be disconnected—this procedure will prevent unnecessary drain and corrosion of the batteries and their terminals.
120 Volt (VAC) AC Receptacles
Your Wayfarer Motorcoach is equipped with several 120 VAC receptacles (Figure 9-4) located throughout the interior of the motorhome. These 120 VAC receptacles are of the “three-prong” variety; the third prong being a grounding pin which provides adequate grounding to protect one from any electrical shock.
For these receptacles to work properly, do not use an adapter, cheater, or extension cord which defeats the function of the grounding pin. For the same reason, never remove or bend away the ground prong or pin from any three-prong AC plug so that it would fit a two-prong AC receptacle (i.e., an ungrounded AC receptacle).
Never operate the Wayfarer if there is an electrical short present, as an electrical short may deliver an electrical shock to anyone coming in contact with the exterior of the unit.
If you should feel even the slightest of electrical shock, immediately disconnect the unit from the 120 VAC power source and locate the electrical fault (i.e., typically, it is a break in the grounding circuit).
Do not reconnect the 120 VAC power until after that electrical fault is fixed— the grounding circuit must be continuous from the frame to the distribution panel, to the power cord, and to the earth ground so that electrical-shock protection is realized.
Figure 9-3:120 VAC Receptacle
USB Receptacles
The Wayfarer is equipped with USB ports (Figure 9-4) that are conveniently located on the front dashboard and in the bedroom area as well as on the passenger console. These USB ports allow for easy access when charging cell phones, laptop computers, tablets and other mobile devices.
Ground-Fault-Circuit-Interrupt Receptacles
In the bath areas, there is 120 VAC GFCI receptacles (Figure 9-6) which provide greater protection against inadvertent electrical shocks.
Figure 9-6 GFCI Receptacle
These specialized GFCI receptacles provide both overload and short-circuit protection for the user. All the electrical receptacles on the “general” branch is GFCI protected through the bathroom GFCI. Consequently, if an appliance plugged into an outlet that is not on the inverter, check for a tripped GFCI in the bathroom.
All GFCI-protected receptacles are marked as such, but only one of them may have two pushbuttons on the receptacle (as shown in the picture). The upper pushbutton is a “test” button which can be used to assure that the GFCI function is working—all one needs to do is to test this function by pushing the upper button: There will be a momentary “click” and the circuit will be disconnected (i.e., no power is available at the GFCI-protected receptacles). To reset this GFCI breaker, push the lower button (the “reset”)
These receptacles protect the user from ground faults between an electrically “hot” wire and ground. The GFCI will not reduce the shock hazard if the short is between a neutral and “hot” wire, or two “hot load” wires. The GFCI should be tested at least once a month. The 120 VAC electrical system must be “on” for the GFCI to be tested. To test the GFCI the reset button needs to be pushed in fully before starting the test. Push the test button; this will cause the reset button to pop out which means that the protected circuits have been disconnected. Push the reset button back in until a “click” is heard—this will re-activate the protected circuit. If the GFCI is working properly, the reset button will remain in the “in” position.
INVERTER (1000 Watts)
1. Invert 12 VDC power into 120 VAC power when 120 VAC is not available. The inverter can create 120 VAC to power the entertainment system (e.g. TVs, Blu-ray player and refrigerator when 120 VAC power is not available.
Figure 9-8 Inverter Switch
The inverter will transfer or pass 120 VAC power to its loads when plugged into shoreline or the generator is running.
The inverter switch is located on the central control panel. This switch allows quick inverter ON/OFF control and a quick indication of the inverters power status.
NOTE: Leaving the switch on for extended times can drain the batteries.
Electrical Generator
The electrical generator is a 3.2 KW conveniently located in one of the side compartments in the Wayfarer motorhome. Prior to starting or stopping the generator (Figure 9-9), make sure that all the 120 VAC appliances are turned “off.”
After the generator has been started, wait until the transfer switch has connected before turning “on” any of the appliances. The generator can be started from either the remote-start switch located on the central control panel or directly at the generator itself. The hour meter installed on the generator records the number of hours of operation of the generator motor—this elapsed time is needed for observing necessary maintenance schedules on the generator.
Figure 9-9: Electrical Generator
Automatic Transfer Switch
The automatic transfer switches or (ATS) transfers 120V AC power from shore line normal power or generator power to the coach’s main electrical distribution panel (Figure 9-11). The ATS has a delay of around 5 seconds before switching power to shore line, and a delay of around 30 seconds before switching power to the generator. The ATS is located on the driver’s side rear cargo bay. This appliance has limited surge protection capabilities.
If the unit is plugged into shore but no power to coach, then make sure the shore outlet has power. If power is present, this may indicate the unit is sensing an open neutral condition. Start the generator, if the power is restored, then either the shore plug or the outlet may be defective (the neutral line may be broken.) If there is no power to coach from shore or generator, then check the generator circuit breaker. If the circuit breakers are not tripped in the generator or the coach, the transfer box may need to be replaced. For more detailed information on the automatic transfer switch, please refer to the specific owner’s instructions found in the owner’s information package.
CIRCUIT BREAKERS
The circuit breakers (Figure 9-11) are located in the main 120 VAC bedroom breaker/fuse box. When the circuit breakers are shut down or electrically tripped, they must be manually reset. As needed, manually reset the circuit breaker or breakers as shown in the accompanying figure. The panel has a main 30-amp breaker which turns off all incoming power to the panels branch breakers. Both, branch breakers and 12 VDC fuses are labeled as to their function.
CONVERTER
A converter is provided as a standard feature on the Wayfarer as part of the main 120-volt power distribution system (Figure 9-11) located in the bedroom breaker/fuse box. This converter takes 120 VAC power and transformers that into 12 VDC power when 120 VAC is available. The converter will create 12 VDC to charge the house batteries when 120 VAC power is available from either the shoreline or generator power.
FUSES
The electrical circuits protected by the under-dash fuse block include: headlights, panel light for dashboard, tail lights, turn signals, cruise control, engine computer, accessory fuses, heater and dash air conditioning. Additionally, there is another chassis fuse panel which works in conjunction with the chassis fuse panel and provides comparable protection for the above-listed circuits.
Located beneath the access panel on the dashboard are two additional fuse panels; these panels protect the following electrical systems: mirrors, optional satellite jacks, camera, optional power windows, dash trim, lighter, map light, optional power seats, and radio. Should there be any electrical failure of these components or systems, the first troubleshooting procedure should be to check the fuses and have available replacements to replace any blown fuses, as may be warranted.
As an aid to extracting and/or installing fuses in the fuse blocks, one may wish to buy an inexpensive fuse puller at any electronics or hardware store. This tool makes the installation or removal of fuses much easier and prevents inadvertent damage to nearby fuses or the fuse block itself.
Figure 9-10: Seven-Pin Towing Connector
The Wayfarer is equipped with a standard, 7-pin connector near the towing hitch at the rear of the motorcoach to supply the necessary circuitry to control a towed vehicle. The wiring of that connector is shown in the accompanying diagram (see Figure 9-10).
Make sure that any cable from the vehicle to be towed is wired correctly to mate properly with the connections shown in the connector. If in doubt about proper wiring, have a qualified service technician prepare and install the necessary cable to mate with the 7-pin connector on the motor home to assure proper operation subsequently when any vehicle is towed by the motorhome.
When the towed vehicle is uncoupled from the motorcoach and the cable is disconnected from the 7-pin connector, be sure to close the spring-hinged cover plate on the connector to protect the contact pins from dirt or debris. In a similar manner, protect the cable end from similar damage, weather, or debris—one such method could be to place the connector end in a heavy-gauge plastic bag (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.) and secure the bag tightly around the cable with a stout elastic band or tape and then mount the secured cable in a manner to keep it both from mechanical damage and water intrusion.
When the towed vehicle is again coupled to the motorcoach via the towing hitch and the cable is again connected to the 7-pin connector, make sure the resultant connection is tight and solid so that the connection won’t jar loose during use. Several supplemental methods to secure that connection have been used; some of which include securing the connection with a strong rubber band or with Velcro type fasteners to provide a supplemental mechanical backup to the actual electromechanical connection. Should a conversion adapter to convert the round, seven-pin connector to a flat, four-pin connector be needed; such an adapter may be purchased from any RV after-market store.
Electrical Diagram
