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I.
12 VOLT SYSTEM
Power Supply
The major portion of electrical power in your ALTO is 12 volts. The 12-volt current powers: the
lights, the ceiling fan, the heat pump controller (optional), the television (optional), the radio
(optional), the roof mechanism (R SERIES), the propane heating fan, the heating controller, the
propane water heater controller, the water pump, the USB OUTLETS, the 2-way refrigerator
controller, the controller of the 12-volt compressor fridge (optional), the ALTO 3 way refrigerator
controller and the temporary 12-volt mode refrigeration on the 3-way fridge and the remote-
controlled trailer mover.
The following appliances do not work on 12 volts: Truma electrical water heater, Truma electrical
heating, the microwave oven, air conditioning, etc. All 12-volt current comes from the battery
system in the front of your trailer (or from the converter when connected to 120 V shore power).
The 12-volt distribution panel contains fuses and does not require routine servicing. Should a
short occur, the circuit fuse “blows” and you may notice some lights or appliances losing power.
If this happens, immediately turn off the lights and appliances on the shorting circuit. Replace
fuse. If fuse “blows” again, do not replace fuse until a qualified technician can service your trailer.
The charge in the 12-volt battery is replenished when towing or when plugged into 120-volt shore
power or by the solar panels (optional).
Check the following areas for open circuits:
• Loose or corroded connections at lighting device.
• Loose or corroded connections at 7-way connector.
• Improper grounding at the lighting device.
A continuity light or an ohmmeter will help you isolate the “open” point of the circuit. Another
cause of failure is a short circuit usually resulting in a blown fuse or circuit breaker tripping at the
power source. The wire coming in contact with a sharp edge usually causes a short. The sharp
edge wears the wire’s insulation away until the “hot” wire shorts to ground. Only qualified service
centres and technicians should troubleshoot and repair electrical systems.
12 Volt Fuses
The fuse and circuit breaker panel is located under the front table in the centre (photo H-2).