Question on electrical

[nsfr1206]

I borrowed this from the forum here (thanks to whoever drew it) and it’s close to what I want. I will power all plugs off of generator or shore power as I will have a generator with me all the time. My question is on the converter. Do I need one or can I just use a charger on battery and pull the 12v for refrigerator, fans and lights off battery?


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[John61CT]

The latter.

These days a "converter" as used in the modern USA RV industry is really a charger, the ability to run without a House bank irrelevant.

In effect the battery just buffers the charger output, the bank SoC is not drawn down unless your loads' current exceeds the charger output.

[working on it]

The latter.

These days a "converter" as used in the modern USA RV industry is really a charger, the ability to run without a House bank irrelevant.

In effect the battery just buffers the charger output, the bank SoC is not drawn down unless your loads' current exceeds the charger output.

My wife's 20ft travel trailer has a WFCO converter in it; it hasn't been used, except for emergencies since 2015, and is powered thru an outlet in a shed. Twice since 2015, the power tripped-off in the shed, and went unnoticed until after the "house battery" froze (with no power coming in, over a cold snap). Since the last time, I leave a 12v light on, that I can see from the back porch, so I know "if the power is on/battery is OK/converter is working".

Both times the converter stopped working entirely, until I replaced the 12v battery (exposed, on the tongue). One time, the converter board didn't respond, and I replaced it, too. This convertor needs a 12v battery to actually work at all; no 120vac is supplied if the 12vdc is removed. Maybe it's just that unit?

[Philip]

The converter in my van will supply 12 volt when no battery is present. The voltage is 14.5 volts. Once the battery is hooked up then it maintains around 13 volts. Something sensitive to voltage might not like the unregulated voltage. Battery charge is a separate function. I have to tell it to charge the house battery. It is not a programed function.

[troubleScottie]

Just to point out, both a TV and a laptop can be powered directly from a DC supply.

Laptops typically need 19VDC. One could get a 12VDC adapter from the computer vendor or get appropriate components to step the voltage from 12 to 19. Removing the cigarette charger connector and do a more direct connection.

Some TV have 12VDC inputs. So no need to convert 12VDC to 120VAC and then back to DC via the AC power block for a monitor.

[John61CT]

True for any load devices with wall warts or power bricks that run off DC internally.

If you can't buy a "car adapter" directly from the vendor, you just need to know the voltage and polarity

and match the plug size, usually available in a "universal adapter" kit

The 5521 is a good "lingua franca" size

https://www.powerstream.com/surplus.htm