WFCO WF-8700 Series - User Manual

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Summary

General Information

Reverse Battery Protection

Details the protection mechanism for preventing reverse battery polarity connection to the converter.

Key Features and Protections

Covers blown fuse indicators, automatic cooling fan, over-temperature protection, and electronic current limiting.

Circuit Protection

DC Fuses and AC Circuit Breakers

Explains DC fuses, AC circuit breakers, and lists approved models for main and branch circuits.

Operational Features

Three-Stage Smart Charging

Describes the converter's automatic three-stage smart charging modes: Bulk, Absorption, and Float.

Troubleshooting Instructions

Converter Output Voltage Issues

Guides on checking converter output voltage and diagnosing related problems, including fuse checks.

Reverse Polarity Fuse Diagnosis

Details troubleshooting steps for reverse polarity fuses and identifying reversed battery connections.

General Compliance Information

Agency Listings and FCC Compliance

Details UL and cUL listings, and FCC Class B compliance for the power center.

Installation Instructions

Mounting and AC Breaker Wiring

Instructions for mounting the enclosure and wiring the AC breakers, including breaker selection.

DC Fuse Board Wiring

Guidance on wiring the DC fuse board, including fuse types and circuit assignments for different models.

Consumer Limited Warranty

Warranty Exclusions and Claim Procedure

Outlines warranty exclusions, limitations, and the procedure for submitting a warranty claim.

Warranty Assistance and Contact

Provides contact information for warranty assistance and support from the distributor.

Summary

General Information

Reverse Battery Protection

Details the protection mechanism for preventing reverse battery polarity connection to the converter.

Key Features and Protections

Covers blown fuse indicators, automatic cooling fan, over-temperature protection, and electronic current limiting.

Circuit Protection

DC Fuses and AC Circuit Breakers

Explains DC fuses, AC circuit breakers, and lists approved models for main and branch circuits.

Operational Features

Three-Stage Smart Charging

Describes the converter's automatic three-stage smart charging modes: Bulk, Absorption, and Float.

Troubleshooting Instructions

Converter Output Voltage Issues

Guides on checking converter output voltage and diagnosing related problems, including fuse checks.

Reverse Polarity Fuse Diagnosis

Details troubleshooting steps for reverse polarity fuses and identifying reversed battery connections.

General Compliance Information

Agency Listings and FCC Compliance

Details UL and cUL listings, and FCC Class B compliance for the power center.

Installation Instructions

Mounting and AC Breaker Wiring

Instructions for mounting the enclosure and wiring the AC breakers, including breaker selection.

DC Fuse Board Wiring

Guidance on wiring the DC fuse board, including fuse types and circuit assignments for different models.

Consumer Limited Warranty

Warranty Exclusions and Claim Procedure

Outlines warranty exclusions, limitations, and the procedure for submitting a warranty claim.

Warranty Assistance and Contact

Provides contact information for warranty assistance and support from the distributor.

The WF-8700 Series Power Center is a comprehensive electrical management system designed for recreational vehicles (RVs), providing both AC and DC power distribution, as well as intelligent battery charging capabilities. This device serves as the central hub for an RV's electrical system, ensuring reliable power for various appliances and maintaining the health of the house battery.

Function Description

The primary function of the WF-8700 Series Power Center is to convert incoming AC shore power (105-130 VAC, 60Hz) into usable DC power (12 volts) for the RV's DC circuits and to charge the house battery. It integrates an AC circuit breaker panel for managing 120/240-volt AC loads and a DC fuse board for protecting 12-volt DC circuits.

The converter section of the power center is an automatic three-stage switching power supply, which intelligently manages battery charging to maximize battery life. It operates in three distinct modes:

Bulk Mode: This mode is activated when the battery is deeply discharged or when high current draw is detected. The converter outputs 14.4 VDC to rapidly charge the battery. A timer limits this mode to four hours, or it concludes when the current draw drops to approximately five Amps, whichever comes first.
Absorption Mode: After Bulk Mode, the converter transitions to Absorption Mode, providing a constant target output voltage of 13.6 VDC. This mode is designed to bring the battery to a full charge without overcharging, powering all branch circuits and maintaining the battery.
Float (Storage) Mode: Once the battery is fully charged and the current draw is low, the converter enters Float Mode, reducing the output voltage to 13.2 VDC. This trickle-charge prevents overcharging and maintains the battery's charge during periods of inactivity, ensuring it is ready for use.

The power center also includes essential safety features to protect both the device and the RV's electrical system. Short-circuit protection causes the converter to drop its voltage output to zero volts if a short is detected, resuming normal operation once the fault is cleared. Electronic current limiting ensures that the output current remains constant even if the load exceeds the maximum rating, with the output voltage dropping as necessary to prevent overload. Over-temperature protection automatically shuts down the unit if internal temperatures become too high, restarting once the temperature returns to a safe level.

Usage Features

The WF-8700 Series Power Center is designed for ease of use and maintenance within an RV environment.

Integrated AC and DC Distribution: It combines AC circuit breakers and a DC fuse board into a single enclosure, simplifying electrical management and installation. The AC side accepts standard residential breakers, with different models accommodating varying numbers of main and branch breakers. The DC fuse board provides multiple circuits for 12-volt loads.
Blown Fuse Indicators: The DC fuse board is equipped with individual blown fuse indicators. A red LED illuminates next to a fuse if it blows, making it easy to identify and replace faulty fuses. This eliminates the need for manual testing of each fuse, streamlining troubleshooting.
Reverse Battery Protection: A critical safety feature, reverse polarity fuses protect the converter circuitry from damage if the RV battery is accidentally connected backward. These fuses are located on the DC fuse board and serve as the main connection between the converter and the DC fuse board. If blown, they indicate a reverse connection, prompting the user to correct the wiring and replace the fuses.
Automatic Cooling Fan: Most WF-8700 Series models (excluding the WF-8712P) feature an incremental cooling fan. This fan's speed is controlled by the current drawn from the converter, increasing as the total load increases and decreasing as the load decreases. This load-controlled fan provides efficient component cooling, preventing temperature spikes and extending component life.
User-Friendly Troubleshooting: The manual provides a clear troubleshooting guide, including steps to check converter output voltage and reverse polarity fuses. It emphasizes disconnecting the battery and checking connections, empowering users to perform initial diagnostics.

Maintenance Features

Maintenance of the WF-8700 Series Power Center primarily involves fuse replacement and ensuring proper ventilation and wiring connections.

Fuse Replacement: Blown DC fuses can be easily identified by the illuminated red LEDs and replaced with ATC or ATO automotive-type fuses of the same rating. Similarly, AC circuit breakers can be replaced with those of the same manufacturer, type designation, and interrupting rating, not exceeding 30A.
Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial for the unit's operation and longevity. The enclosure ventilation openings must not be covered or obstructed. Specific models (WF-8712P and WF-8725P) require a minimum of 2 cubic feet of vented area behind the unit for cool air exchange, highlighting the importance of maintaining airflow to prevent overheating.
Wiring Integrity: Regular inspection of wiring connections for looseness or damage is recommended. The manual provides detailed wiring diagrams for AC breakers and the DC fuse board, guiding users or certified electricians in ensuring all connections conform to local, national, and regional codes. All wire connections should use copper conductors only, and terminals should be torqued to specifications.
Professional Servicing: While basic troubleshooting and fuse replacement can be performed by the user, installation and more complex servicing should be handled by a certified or licensed electrician familiar with applicable safety codes. The converter section itself is not user-serviceable, and if determined defective under warranty, the entire unit must be returned for replacement.
Warranty Support: The product comes with a two-year limited warranty, covering defects in material and workmanship under normal use. A clear warranty claim procedure is outlined, requiring a Return Goods Authorization (RGA) number and proper documentation, ensuring that users can access support when needed. Technical support is available through the Power PROs hotline for assistance with troubleshooting and warranty claims.