Airstream Safari Automobile User Manual


 
G
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
G - 12
110-VOLT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
City Power
The Airstream converter system enables you to use the lights and appliances whether
operating on self-contained battery power or hooked up to 110-volt city power. The
12-volt light bulbs give off the same light as regular household bulbs, so that when
operating on self-contained battery power, everything works normally except the 110-
volt convenience outlets and 110-volt appliances.
Exterior outlets for 110 volts are located on the curbside exterior wall between the
wheels and above the wheel well.
NOTICE: When operating with city power make very certain that the service is
110 volt and not 220 volt.
The converter system is a transformer designed to maintain constant output voltages
regardless of the variances that occur in city power systems. The design eliminates the
need for complex electronic sensing systems to charge the batteries, minimizing the
possibility of failures and greatly increasing its overall reliability.
WARNING: When the three-pronged plug can be used there will be no
problems with proper polarity or grounding.
In some older parks and other locations where three pronged outlets are not available,
certain precautions to insure proper grounding and polarity must be taken. These
precautions are listed below:
1. Attach the three-pronged plug to a two-pronged adapter. The third conductor line of
this adapter has a short wire lead, which must be grounded.
2. For proper grounding connect the short ground lead to a grounded outlet box
or to a cold water pipe. When no water pipe is available drive a metal rod two
feet into the ground and attach the ground lug to it, thus providing the unit with
proper grounding.
To operate self-contained, simply disconnect the power supply cable.
When your trailer is hooked up to 110 volt AC, the converter system automatically
charges the trailer batteries with the battery disconnect switch in the “use” (on) posi-
tion and, if the 7-way cord is hooked up, your tow vehicle battery as well. The speed
and degree of charge depends on how much power is used for lights and appliances,
as only the surplus goes to charging the battery. If you are making an extended stay,
then you should keep your trailer hooked up to a 110 volt current if it is available.
While you are connected to the 110-volt receptacle the wiring is protected by circuit
breakers in the breaker panel. The circuit breaker panel for the 110-volt system is
located in the converter. Open the brown decorative converter door under the dinette.
In the event of a failure of a 110-volt circuit, first check your trailer circuit break-
ers and the breaker for the outlet your trailer shoreline cord is plugged into. If
a breaker continues to trip after you have reset it several times, your circuit may be
overloaded with appliances or there may be a short in the circuit. Try lessening the load
on the circuit. Perhaps an electric griddle, hair dryer, or an electric heater can be turned
off. If that does not solve the problem consult an Airstream Service Center.
The 110-volt electrical system provides power to operate the air conditioner, converter
and 110-volt receptacles for portable appliances. The power is carded through the
110-volt city power flexible cord to the 110-volt distribution panel, and then is distrib-
uted to each appliance or receptacle.
All wire, components, and wiring methods conform to federal and state requirements.