jerseyjim wrote:
Well...the CONverter is on all the time. That's how we get our 12V lights to work and the 110 parts to function all at the same time when on shore power or generator power. At least on my coach.
I have two SEPARATE items: the CONverter and an INverter. I guess on some coaches they are one unit....I don't know. However, reading many posts here on the forum I think the CON and the IN are confusing to some...as to what they do.
Of course, when in "storage" the coach batteries are "off" (and then so is the CONverter).
And, one must be really cautions about use of the INverter...as that really chews up power from the coach batteries.
Again: MY coach.
the converter / charger - CONVERTS 120vac to 12vdc power (and CHARGES the house batteries) when plugged into shore power.
the inverter - INVERTS 12vdc to 120vac
if your house batteries are turned OFF (or disconnected) AND you are connected to shore power: The converter/charger supplies steady 12vdc to all 12vdc lights & 12vdc appliances (fans, water pumps, fridge, water heater) - AND shore power provides 120vac to all AC based outlets, lights & appliances)
On most coaches, the only way to turn off the Converter / Charger is to switch off the (shore) power (aka 120vac) to the converter via the 120vac breaker.
when NOT connected to shore (120vac) power:
the house batteries supply 12vdc to the 12vdc lights & 12vdc appliances (including the inverter)
USUALLY an INVERTER (even when combined in the same unit as the converter/charger) is turned on / off via a wall switch or digital interface / display control. Im sure some combination units can be programed to automatically turn on the INVERTER when shore power is not present.
When in STORAGE - i turn my batteries off & connect to shore power - This allows the converter/charger to supply 12vdc power all my (12vdc) lights & appliances (including the fridge).Hhouse batteries when turned off or disconnected will not be charged by the converter / charger because the house batteries are disconnected (electrically) from the converter / charger.
SO - even though the OP may have the batteries OFF (in storage) the fridge may still work (if he's on shore power).
