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Warnings about de-energizing equipment and hazardous voltages.
Product should be installed/serviced by experienced certified technician.
Unit produces arcs/sparks; avoid flammable materials.
Do not cover ventilation; avoid zero-clearance compartments.
Use converter on appropriate battery systems; consult manufacturer.
Protects converter from reverse battery connection using fuses.
Cooling fan speed controlled by current load, not temperature.
Unit shuts down if internal temperature exceeds critical point.
Output voltage drops when current exceeds maximum rating.
Unit drops voltage to zero volts upon short circuit.
Describes reverse polarity fuses and types for different models.
Charger uses Absorption, Bulk, and Float modes based on battery voltage.
How to check output voltage using a voltmeter with no load.
Check fuses for breaks or continuity if no DC output.
Lists UL-Listed and cUL-Listed certifications.
Equipment complies with FCC Class B digital device limits.
Guidelines for mounting location and ensuring proper ventilation.
Instructions for connecting DC wires to the distribution center fuse board.
Describes AC plugs and receptacles for different models.
Lists items not covered by the warranty.
Steps for initiating a warranty claim and obtaining an RGA number.
Contact information for warranty support.
Warnings about de-energizing equipment and hazardous voltages.
Product should be installed/serviced by experienced certified technician.
Unit produces arcs/sparks; avoid flammable materials.
Do not cover ventilation; avoid zero-clearance compartments.
Use converter on appropriate battery systems; consult manufacturer.
Protects converter from reverse battery connection using fuses.
Cooling fan speed controlled by current load, not temperature.
Unit shuts down if internal temperature exceeds critical point.
Output voltage drops when current exceeds maximum rating.
Unit drops voltage to zero volts upon short circuit.
Describes reverse polarity fuses and types for different models.
Charger uses Absorption, Bulk, and Float modes based on battery voltage.
How to check output voltage using a voltmeter with no load.
Check fuses for breaks or continuity if no DC output.
Lists UL-Listed and cUL-Listed certifications.
Equipment complies with FCC Class B digital device limits.
Guidelines for mounting location and ensuring proper ventilation.
Instructions for connecting DC wires to the distribution center fuse board.
Describes AC plugs and receptacles for different models.
Lists items not covered by the warranty.
Steps for initiating a warranty claim and obtaining an RGA number.
Contact information for warranty support.
The WF-9800 Series Deckmount Converter-Charger is a power management device designed for recreational vehicles (RVs), providing essential 12-volt DC power and battery charging capabilities. It serves as "The Heartbeat of Today's RVs," ensuring reliable operation of various onboard systems.
The primary function of the WF-9800 Series Converter-Charger is to convert incoming AC shore power (105-130VAC, 60Hz) into a stable 12-volt DC output to power the RV's DC appliances and charge the house battery. It can operate with or without a battery installed. When a battery is present, the converter-charger intelligently manages its charging process to optimize battery health and longevity.
The device incorporates a sophisticated three-stage "smart" charging system that continuously monitors the battery voltage and regulates the charge amount. These three modes are:
Bulk Mode (14.4 volts): This is the initial rapid charging stage, typically activated when the battery is deeply discharged or when the output current reaches its maximum. The converter targets 14.4 volts, and this mode continues until the current draw drops to approximately five amps or after a four-hour timer, whichever comes first. During this stage, the actual output voltage may appear lower on a voltmeter due to the voltage-current relationship as the battery charges.
Absorption Mode (13.6 volts): After Bulk Mode, the converter switches to Absorption Mode, providing a constant target output voltage of 13.6 volts. This stage maintains a steady charge, allowing the battery to absorb the remaining charge at a slower, safer rate. This mode is maintained for 44 hours.
Float Mode (13.2 volts): Following Absorption Mode, the converter enters Float Mode, reducing the output to 13.2 volts. In this stage, the converter provides a trickle charge to the battery, preventing overcharging and maintaining it at a full state of charge. This mode helps prolong battery life, especially during long periods of inactivity. The system can reset to Absorption Mode if power is interrupted or to Bulk Mode if the output current limit is reached again.
The converter also features electronic current limiting. If the output current exceeds the maximum rating, the output current will remain constant, and the output voltage will drop as needed to prevent exceeding the converter's maximum output current level. The unit recovers once loads are reduced.
The WF-9800 Series Converter-Charger is designed for ease of integration into an RV's electrical system. It can be mounted in various orientations—standard, upside-down, or vertical—to accommodate different installation requirements within the RV. Proper ventilation is crucial for optimal performance, and the unit should be installed in an accessible area with at least two cubic feet of clear airspace to allow for free airflow for the cooling fan and to prevent overheating.
The cooling fan operation is load-controlled, meaning its speed increases as the current (Amperage) load attached to the converter increases, and decreases as the load decreases. This load-controlled fan design provides better component cooling compared to traditional temperature-controlled fans, helping to prevent temperature spikes and premature component failure.
For DC connections, an 8 AWG wire should be used to connect the POS+ lug to the distribution center's fuse board and a Black 8 AWG wire to the NEG- lug. The converter-charger can operate without a battery, but a battery is recommended for dry camping or when using slide-outs and leveling systems. Deep-cycle batteries (Lead-Acid or AGM type) with a rating of 100 Amp hours or more are recommended for extensive dry camping. When installing multiple batteries, they must be of the same brand, type, and preferably age.
AC power is supplied via a power cord. Models WF-9835, WF-9845, and WF-9855 come with a standard 15 Amp plug, while WF-9865 and WF-9875 models feature a 20 Amp plug, requiring a corresponding 20 Amp receptacle wired with a minimum of 12 AWG wire.
The WF-9800 Series Converter-Charger includes several safety and protection features to ensure reliable operation and minimize maintenance:
Reverse Battery Protection: The unit is equipped with two reverse polarity fuses located on the rear panel. These fuses protect the converter circuitry from permanent damage if the RV battery is accidentally connected in reverse. If these fuses blow, they must be replaced with the same type and amperage rating as the original. This feature is critical as even a momentary reverse connection can blow the fuses.
Over-Temperature Protection: If the internal temperature of the converter exceeds a critical threshold, the unit will automatically shut down to protect sensitive components from excessive heat. It will restart once the internal temperature has dropped to a safe level.
Short-Circuit Protection: In the event of a short circuit in the RV's DC system, the converter-charger will drop its voltage output to zero volts. Once the short-circuit condition is removed and no other faults are detected, the converter will resume normal operation. However, short-circuit conditions are dangerous and require inspection by a qualified service technician.
Fuse Replacement: For continued protection against fire or electrical shock, faulty DC fuses and AC breakers must be replaced with ones of the same type and ratings as originally installed. The DC fuses are ATC or ATO automotive type fuses (e.g., Littelfuse type 257 or Bussmann type ATC).
Regular checks of the battery and its fluid levels are recommended, especially if the RV is in storage for extended periods (e.g., every 3 weeks when in Float Mode). Troubleshooting instructions are provided to help diagnose common issues, such as no DC output or battery not charging, guiding users to check fuses, wiring connections, and converter output voltage. If the converter output still reads 0.0 VDC after these checks, the converter may not be functioning properly and may require replacement.
The WF-9800 Series Converter-Chargers are UL-Listed and cUL-Listed (Canadian), ensuring they meet recognized safety standards. They also comply with FCC Class B limits, designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in commercial environments.
General| Input Voltage | 105-130 VAC |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 13.6 VDC |
| Absorption Voltage | 14.4 VDC |
| Battery Type | Lead Acid |
| Charging Stages | 3-Stage |
