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hedgehopper's avatar
hedgehopper
Explorer
Apr 23, 2015

Is this converter safe to install?

Wanting to upgrade my Parallax 6332 (32 amp) converter, I ordered a PD4635 (35 amp), the closest PD amperage to 32. The supplier was out of PD4635 converters so (with my OK) substituted a PD4645 (45 amp).

When I looked at the Progressive Dynamics Installation Instructions, one of the first things I saw was:

"Do NOT install a converter whose amperage rating is higher than the one originally installed in your application. Doing so my cause wiring to overheat, resulting in damage to components and/or fire."

Should I do the installation? What experience have you had with this issue?

18 Replies

  • ScottG wrote:
    The difference between 32 and 35 is insignificant. Go for it.


    Ditto this!

    Jim
  • The difference between 32 and 35 is insignificant. Go for it.
  • As mentioned previously, your 12v loads will be the same so MOST wires will be fine.

    Only danger should be charging the batteries.....the batteries can likely draw the full 45A and the wires to those should be adequately sized AND fused
  • I did the same thing. All of the tiny light bulbs within the switches blew the first time the switch was used. No other problems. But it is was aggravating. The dealer I bought the charger said it was alright to do. so much for believing camper dealers.
  • If you are drawing the same amps as before, and fuses will make sure you are not exceeding this, then you should be fine. Without the same size fuses as your old converter you could plug in an appliance(s) that draws 25 amps when your wiring is designed for 15 and overheat the wires, but if your fuse will blow when you pass 15 amps on that circut then no.
  • Isn't this sort of similar to having 15/20 amp circuits on a 200 amp electrical service?
    bumpy
  • I installed a 45 when my 30 died. Your wiring should all be going through your fuse panel. All my wiring has 15 amp fuses in the TC. If all your wiring is fused which it should be, no problem. Just because the converter has a higher amp rating does not mean it is going to deliver more amps to a given load. Load current is determined by the resistance of the load which is not changing. The voltage of the new converter will be about the same as the old converter. The same voltage over the same resistance will equal the same current or amps. The output from the converter should have fuses. Mine has a 30 amp fuse on both the positive and negative wire leads from the factory even though it was rated at 45 amps. Check that everything is fused properly and if so, you should be fine.