power converter replacement

dryfly wrote:

BFL13 wrote:

j-d wrote:
Pic of a PD 4655

Am I correct in thinking that it replaces a PORTION of one or more popular Makes/Models of Converter/Charger?

We have an IOTA that I'd describe as All-In-One. It's OEM, no doubt cheap, and it comprises:

AC Breaker Panel
DC Fuse Panel
Power Converter 120VAC >> 12VDC
House Battery Charger

I can DO Wiring, Cutting, Fitting, Trimming. I anticipate a total nightmare swapping out the IOTA because all the related wiring is cut short. I can barely replace a Breaker let alone connect the wiring we have to a new unit with a different layout.

How do I get that done?

First make sure you have the IQ4 for the Iota if it has the jack for it. Then you don't need to swap it out.

Yes, the whole thing is called a Power Centre and just the converter can usually be swapped out. Or leave it there and install a deck mount converter elsewhere (closer to the batteries is good)

This brings up another question. Do the "deck mount" converters offer any additional benefits over the replacement boards that fit directly in the distribution panel (such as the WFCO I have now)? They look like they are of heavy construction and are better ventilated. Price looks comparable.

I'm not sure at this point if there is any interface between the converter and the distribution panel other than the 12vdc output of the converter. In other words, looks like you would just come off the output of the deck mount converter and take the pos and neg leads to the panel. Am I missing something?

You can use a deck mount under the power centre as a replacement if it will fit. Bestconverters has an example of that ISTR in the collection of upgrade examples people have done.

With the deck mount by the batteries, the connection to the DC fuse panel is via the battery, which already has wires to the fuse panel.

A deck mount has a chassis ground wire to the RV frame. The open type lower portion replacement has metal contact with the power centre's big chassis which is already grounded to the frame via the main 120v line's bare copper wire, so you don't need an additional ground. If the deck mount goes under there, then it would if it is not touching the power centre chassis.

If looking at Boondockers, ISTR the replacement is 55a while the deck mounts are 60amp. I like the 75a size because you get faster battery charging with the higher amps, and it is PF corrected, so it should not take any more 120 to run it than the 60a needs.