Owner`s manual

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS - HOUSE — 8
152
2008 LAPALMA XL
houSe electrIcal - IntroDuctIon
This section contains guidelines, procedures
and information to assist you in understanding
the electrical system and operation of various
components. Refer to the OEM manuals
included in the Owner’s Information File box for
their respective, in-depth, individual component
operating instructions.
General Overview:
The motorhome can utilize various sources
of electrical power: shore power connection,
generator, inverter (optional), 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 efcient electrical operating system. Two
types of electrical systems are used: 120/240
Volt AC and 12 Volt DC.
The motorhome 120/240 Volt AC system can
be operated from three different power sources:
shore power, on-board generator or optional
inverter. Shore power is the most efcient and
should be used whenever possible. The generator
can be used when shore power is unavailable.
The (optional) inverter supplies silent AC power
using the house batteries of the motorhome.
The inverter power output is limited and should
be used sparingly (for main and bedroom
televisions for example) to conserve house
battery power.
Two different sources supply the main AC
circuit breaker panel with power: the 50 Amp
shore power cord or the on-board generator. The
power source used is automatically selected by a
switching device known as a transfer switch.
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.
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 maintain the charge on the
house batteries. Likewise, while the motorhome
is plugged into shore power, or the generator is
running, the engine batteries are being charged.
Each system will supply 12 Volt DC power to
the 12 Volt DC distribution panels.
The chassis and house systems have their own
sets of batteries. The chassis batteries supply 12
Volt DC power to the front distribution panel
located outside in the front roadside bay. This
panel contains mostly engine system circuits and
wiring such as headlights, taillight, dashboard
functions, gauges, etc. The house batteries
supply 12 Volt DC power to the distribution
panel located in the bedroom. This panel
contains fuses for the house interior lighting and
appliances. Become familiar with these panels
and the items they operate.
With all the technological advancements taking
place in the past several years manufacturers
have now incorporated electronics into these
systems. It is important to keep the 12 Volt DC
systems in good working order. These systems,
with their incorporated electronics, are voltage
sensitive. Some items can be damaged if the DC
voltage is not maintained within the designed
specications.
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 television; however,
indirectly it still operates from 12 Volt DC
power, as it can be operated from the inverter.
The chassis functions (engine, transmission,
dash air, etc.) are also 12 Volt DC.