Magnetek Series 6300A Model 6345 Bad?

zhoenixx wrote:

tenbear wrote:
The wire size for most things is based on the size of the fuse. If your fuses are 15A, use AWG 14 wire. Standard colors are red (+12v) and black (-12v), or, Black (+12v) and white (-12v). Mine uses the black and white.

The wire between the battery and the converter may need to be changed for a larger size. The Magnetek would only charge at about 5-6 amps. the PD 4645 is capable of charging at 45 amps. If the wire between them is long, 15' or so, you might consider replacing the old #6 or #8, with #4 to allow more of the 14.4v in boost mode to get to the battery.

Thank you very much for all the info - this forum is great!

Should I use stranded or solid wire?

Is there any reason why I shouldn't get the larger, 55?Amp?PD4655V since I am running all new wiring anyways?

And any specific power outlets and switches, or just standard household components from Home Depot?

Thanks!

Use stranded wire for the 12v wiring. If you are running new wire for 120v use the standard Romex.

If you have any thoughts about adding batteries, go with the larger converter. I replaced my Parallax 7345 with a PD 9260. The batteries will take whatever current they want up to the limit of the converter. There is no advantage to a larger converter if you are using only one battery.

I have used standard components for both 120vac and 12vdc applications. I have seen people caution against using 120v switches for 12v use but I have used them with no problems.

tenbear wrote:
The wire size for most things is based on the size of the fuse. If your fuses are 15A, use AWG 14 wire. Standard colors are red (+12v) and black (-12v), or, Black (+12v) and white (-12v). Mine uses the black and white.

The wire between the battery and the converter may need to be changed for a larger size. The Magnetek would only charge at about 5-6 amps. the PD 4645 is capable of charging at 45 amps. If the wire between them is long, 15' or so, you might consider replacing the old #6 or #8, with #4 to allow more of the 14.4v in boost mode to get to the battery.

Thank you very much for all the info - this forum is great!

Should I use stranded or solid wire?

Is there any reason why I shouldn't get the larger, 55?Amp?PD4655V since I am running all new wiring anyways?

And any specific power outlets and switches, or just standard household components from Home Depot?

Thanks!

ksg5000 wrote:
Old Magnatek converter are sometimes referred to as battery eaters because they put out a constant 13.6 volts which requires owner to replenish battery water on a frequent basis. Many replace them with Progressive Dynamic converters which automatically adjust the charge rate which equates to faster charging and less concern about monitoring water depletion. I replaced my 6300 series with a PD9245 - easy DIY - not expensive.

I have a Magnetec 950 converter charger which starts at 13.6 volts then drops to 13.2 when battery is charged. I have heard many times on here that it is a battery eater also but I don't know how 13.2 v or less eats batteries? I also have a 40 amp Vector charger that I sometimes use when dry camping for a faster charge on the genset. When home and battery is charged then I use the battery disconnect if I am not going to use it for a while. I add water twice a year.

I upgraded mine with a kit from Best Converter. It now is a three stage charger and works beautifully. Took about an hour and a half. Randy is a great guy and can answer any questions you may have.

Best Converter Magnetek 6300 Series Upgrade Kits

The wire size for most things is based on the size of the fuse. If your fuses are 15A, use AWG 14 wire. Standard colors are red (+12v) and black (-12v), or, Black (+12v) and white (-12v). Mine uses the black and white.

The wire between the battery and the converter may need to be changed for a larger size. The Magnetek would only charge at about 5-6 amps. the PD 4645 is capable of charging at 45 amps. If the wire between them is long, 15' or so, you might consider replacing the old #6 or #8, with #4 to allow more of the 14.4v in boost mode to get to the battery.

I rewired my 22' Starcraft. Started from scratch with a new load center for the 120V side (50 amp) and, since my 12v stuff is minimal, used the three fused circuits from the older PI converter for that. I ran nearly everything with 14 ga. stranded (I have miles of it). DC is wired with both phases, no relying on frame grounds. About the only things to upsize wire for are the AC units and the DC runs between batteries, converter, inverter, and any solar you wish to have. That will be dependent on the amount of draw and distances involved.

tenbear wrote:
X2 on the Progressive Dynamics. My battery charges much faster and uses less water. You might want to consider the PD 4600 series, might be a better fit.

That's the exact one I was thinking of going with. Since I will be rewiring all the components, would anyone know of a good resource for what size and style wiring I should use for wiring the fridge, A/C unit, lights, etc.?

Thanks guys, I really appreciate it!

X2 on the Progressive Dynamics. My battery charges much faster and uses less water. You might want to consider the PD 4600 series, might be a better fit.

Old Magnatek converter are sometimes referred to as battery eaters because they put out a constant 13.6 volts which requires owner to replenish battery water on a frequent basis. Many replace them with Progressive Dynamic converters which automatically adjust the charge rate which equates to faster charging and less concern about monitoring water depletion. I replaced my 6300 series with a PD9245 - easy DIY - not expensive.