09 2027 Phaeton Electrical Features
General Information:
120-volt AC (VAC) system. Most standard appliances require the 120 VAC system, while most of the lighting systems used in the motorhome use the 12 VDC electrical system.
The electrical power for the 12 VDC system is supplied by the batteries of the motorhome. Those batteries are charged by a power converter. The alternator also charges the batteries when the engine is running.
The electrical power for the 120 VAC is supplied by the power cord when the motorhome is connected to an external power source or when the on-board electrical generator is in operation. The converter/inverter can also supply 120 VAC electrical power (to limited outlets and limited appliances). The inverter transforms the 12 VDC electrical power from the batteries into the 120 VAC electrical power for the basic appliances.
External Solar Port:
The motorhome is equipped with an external Solar Port (Figure 9-1) located in the water bay. It allows you to plug in your own solar panel. The port is designed to handle a maximum of twenty (20) amps. Your solar panel MUST have its own controller. Tiffin Motorhomes is not responsible for the improper use of the external port. If the motorhome has the (Optional) “Go Power” Solar System, the solar panels are operated thru the Spyder Control System as shown in (Figure 9-2).
To connect the motorhome to an external source of 120 VAC electrical power, Tiffin Motorhomes recommends that all the circuit breakers be in the OFF position, (this is done to prevent any power surge when connecting the motorhome to the external power source), and then unwind the power cord from the electrical compartment located in an external compartment. The standard, flexible, power cord supplied with the motorhome is designed to handle up to 50 amperes. Make sure that the pins in the male end of the plug are oriented correctly so that they match the power cable, and that they are in good condition (i.e., are not bent or damaged). If there is a circuit breaker switch at the “plug” end of the power cord, that breaker must be turned OFF before making the connection.
Insert the plug into the mating outlet and then turn the circuit breaker ON. Close and lock the electrical compartment door to protect the contents and to keep them clean and dry.
Close the cover on the power box, if so equipped, to avoid an unintentional disconnection and to keep the contents clean and dry. Then switch the main breaker to the ON position.
When properly connected, the 120 VAC system provides power to all the 120 VAC circuits and outlets when the main breaker is turned ON.
Electrical Cautions:
If you have to check fuses, the centralized control panel is located in the third passenger side bay. The fuses for the different light circuits are located here. The status of a fuse for any circuit can be easily identified by looking at the circuit number and coordinating the number to the proper listing on the fuse list chart beside the centralized control panel.
If a circuit is on and the fuse is blown, the indicator light beside that fuse will be red. If the circuit is on and the fuse is good, the indicator light beside that fuse will be green. If the circuit is off, the indicator light beside that fuse will not be on.
Circuit Breaker Boxes:
For the Phaeton, interior 120 VAC and 12 VDC breaker boxes (Figure 9-3) vary depending on your specific floorplan, however in most floor plans, they are located in the rear closet. The circuit breakers and associated fuses are installed to protect the electrical system of the motorhome from any overloads. Do not attempt to change the electrical circuitry or to add appliances yourself. Consult an authorized Tiffin Motorhomes representative to determine whether any changes you desire are appropriate and acceptable. The 120V breakers protect all appliances and 120V outlets in the motorhome, such as microwaves, air conditioners, washer and dryer, vacuum cleaners, etc. Fusing is provided for the following 12 VDC circuits: all interior decorative and overhead lighting, water heater, TV switching box, slide-out lights, power roof vents, monitor panel, and the passenger side console switch panel.
Additional 12 VDC fuse panels are located in the front storage compartment on the driver’s side; these fuse panels provide protection for the following circuits: mirrors, fog lights, hydraulic jacks, camera, wipers, docking lights, dashboard panels, spot light, power seats, radio, step cover, satellite receiver, 30-ampere ignition breaker, 50-ampere ignition breaker, and dashboard air circuit breaker.
Auxiliary Start Switch:
The auxiliary start switch (Figure 9-4) is located on the switch panel to the left of the steering wheel in front of the driver’s-side console box. This switch connects the motorhome batteries to the chassis batteries—this allows the chassis batteries to “borrow” power from the motorhome batteries to assist in starting the engine. If the chassis batteries cannot start the engine by turning the ignition key, hold down the battery-boost switch for at least 60 seconds and retry starting the engine. When attempting to use the auxiliary start switch function, Tiffin Motorhomes recommends that you press and hold the switch for about 60 seconds before trying to start the engine. This gives the two sets of batteries (house and chassis) a chance to equalize before engaging the starter. The multiplex system that controls most chassis functions will need to reach optimal voltage range to ensure proper operation as well.
Battery Inspection and Care:
The motorhome batteries (Figure 9-5) are located on a sliding tray, which extends from an underneath compartment. When batteries are not used for extended periods, they will gradually lose their electrical charge. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically check the battery’s charge level every 30-90 days. If the charge has dropped, recharge the batteries back to 100% in order to extend the operational lives of the batteries. It is also necessary to check the external condition of the batteries on a regular basis. Look for cracks in the battery case and cover. Check the vent plugs on the flooded lead-acid battery. Replace the vent plugs if they are cracked or broken. Keep the battery clean.
Since accumulations of dirt and acid residue around the battery terminals might provide an electrical path for discharging the battery, the area around the terminals must be cleaned periodically. You can use an old toothbrush and a sparse amount of a diluted solution of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and water (distilled or deionized, preferred; tap water, acceptable) to clean and neutralize any acidic build-up around the battery terminals. If this is done and there is any foaming on the top of the battery, this indicates that acidic residues are being neutralized. Rinse the cleaned areas thoroughly with distilled or de-ionized water (tap water is an acceptable alternative). Avoid getting the baking-soda solution into the fill plugs and the battery cells of the flooded lead-acid battery; this would drastically reduce the effectiveness of the battery (by neutralizing the
sulfuric acid in the battery cells) or, worse, “kill” the battery. Dry the battery cables and terminals to prevent corrosion. To protect those terminals further, use a plastic ignition spray on the terminals. Do not use grease on the terminals, especially on the metal-to-metal connections, as grease might act as an insulator and keep the battery electrical power from entering the cables. If the batteries are not going to be used for an extended period, remove them from the motorhome and store them in a warm, dry place. Tiffin Motorhomes recommends that this service be performed by a qualified service technician, as the process is usually too complicated for the average owner to perform. For those who might wish to perform this service themselves, use the following procedure: Mark the battery cables (“+” sign or “red” for the positive cable; “-” sign or “black” for the negative cable) so that they can be properly reconnected again later. These batteries require periodic recharging to maintain their full charge.
Over time, the flooded lead-acid batteries will lose some of the water used with the sulfuric acid in the batteries. Following manufacturer’s recommendations as found in the Tiffin Knowledge Base Owner’s Hub, periodically check the fluid levels in all the batteries cells (be sure to use safety eyewear during this process) and fill those that are low with water (distilled or deionized water is preferred; tap water is an acceptable alternative). Do not overfill the cells; follow the filling directions exactly. Check the battery on a regular basis to realize the fullest service possible from the batteries over the longest time possible. If the motorhome is to be stored for an extended period, disconnect the 12 VDC battery system, this procedure will prevent unnecessary drain and corrosion of the batteries and their terminals.
Disconnect the 120 VAC electrical power cord and the negative terminal from the motorhome batteries BEFORE working on the motorhome electrical system.
If the motorhome ever requires any welding operations on the frame, first disconnect the chassis batteries. Failure to do so will destroy all of the chassis computer system.
House Battery Disconnect Panel:
The house battery disconnect panel (Figure 9-6), is located in the cargo storage area on the driver’s side. Along with the inverter switch and several breakers, the rotary switch labeled House Battery Master Switch can disconnect the house batteries when the vehicle is in storage for long periods.
Rotating this switch disconnects the house batteries only, not the engine batteries. This feature is designed to disconnect all 12 VDC circuitry from the batteries and prevent them from being drained during storage.
Engine Battery Disconnect Panel:
The engine battery disconnect panel is located in an outside battery storage compartment located in the rear of the passenger’s side of the motorhome.
On the upper, right-hand side of that compartment is another rotary switch (Figure 9-7), which, when activated, disconnects the “engine” batteries. When the Phaeton is to be stored for any length of time, disconnect these two 12 VDC systems. When the Phaeton is removed from storage, rotate the upper, right-hand disconnect switch to restore the 12 VDC power. Tiffin Motorhomes recommends that the engine batteries be disconnected while service is being performed on the motorhome.
12 Volt DC Disconnect Switch:
For routine short-term use, there is a 12 VDC disconnect switch (Figure 9-8) on the switch console located in the stairwell of the Phaeton. This switch can be used to disconnect the “house” battery from most of the 12 VDC circuits in the motorhome so that there is no inadvertent drain on the battery.
Tiffin Motorhomes also recommends periodically checking the fluid levels in the batteries constituting the 12 VDC “house” battery system to make sure that all fluid levels are properly maintained; otherwise, a full charge cannot be maintained in the batteries. Do not let batteries freeze. Frozen batteries will void the battery warranty. Fully charged batteries will not freeze.
12 Volt DC (VDC) Receptacles:
The motorhome is equipped with a 12 VDC receptacle conveniently located inside of the center console (Figure 9-9). This 12 VDC receptacle can be used for providing power to various items, such as cellular phones, personal computers, or portable communications equipment.
This receptacle is usually found on the bulkhead in front of the passenger’s seat so that it is conveniently available. This receptacle accommodates the “cigarette-lighter” type of connector.
USB Receptacles:
The motorhome is equipped with USB ports (Figure 9-10) conveniently located on the front dashboard and in the bedroom area as well as on the passenger console. These ports allow for easy access when charging cell phones, laptop computers, iPods, iPads, or tablets.
Converter/Inverter:
When the 120 VAC power is not available, either from the power cord or the generator, the inverter/charger (Figure 9-11) may be used. The inverter/charger has two modes of operation: INVERTER - providing power to the appliances from the batteries, and AC - operating the appliances from the shore power or a generator. When the converter/inverter is in AC mode, it passes power directly to the appliances as well as recharges the batteries using a 3-stage battery charger (Bulk, Absorption, and Float). This approach to battery charging provides rapid and complete charging cycles without placing undue stress on the batteries. Inverter operation is enabled with the Spyder Control Panel, as shown in (Figure 9-12).
With search mode enabled, the inverter pulses the AC output looking for an electrical appliance (typically 5 to 100 watts, depending upon the setting you have selected). Whenever there is no load detected, the inverter automatically goes into search mode (sleep) to minimize energy consumption. During this time, the inverter’s green LED flashes (fast) to indicate SEARCH mode. When an appliance is switched on inside the motorhome, the inverter recognizes the need for power and automatically starts the inverter. Whenever AC Shore Power is no longer sensed, the inverter automatically transfers to battery power with no interruption to the appliances. The inverter’s green LED flashes once every 2 seconds (medium flash) to indicate it is running on battery power and providing AC to the motorhome. Whenever AC Shore Power is sensed, the inverter automatically transfers to the shore power with minimal interruption to the appliances. Whenever the inverter is running on nominal AC shore power, it charges the batteries. The inverter’s green LED (Figure 9-13) stays ON (solid) to indicate the first stage of charging. During bulk charging, the charger supplies the maximum amount of constant current to the batteries. As the battery voltage rises to a set value, the charger will then switch to the next charging mode. As the inverter continues to run on nominal AC Shore Power, and the batteries have been successfully bulk charged, the charger enters its second stage of charging.
The Inverter’s yellow LED (Figure 9-13) flashes to indicate absorption charging for 1-3 hours depending upon battery bank selection. The charger then switches to its final mode. As AC shore power continues the inverter’s green LED flashes once every 8 seconds (slow flash) to indicate the third and final stage of charging. The batteries are held at the float voltage if AC is present at the inverter’s input. Float charging reduces battery gases, minimizes watering requirements (for flooded batteries), and ensures the batteries are maintained at optimum capacity.
The inverter monitors the AC Shore Power, the batteries and itself. Whenever a condition occurs that is outside the normal operating parameters, the inverter will take the necessary steps to protect the appliances, batteries, or itself from damage. Whenever the battery voltage reaches a low level, the inverter will initiate Low Battery Cut-Off (LBCO), which automatically shuts the inverter down, along with all connected loads, to protect the batteries from over-discharge damage. The inverter’s LED turns OFF to indicate the fault condition. Refer to the manual for the inverter model for more information. As the inverter is charging, it constantly monitors the batteries. In the event the battery voltage approaches too high of level, it automatically turns off the battery charger to protect the batteries from damage. The inverter’s Fault LED turns On to indicate the fault condition.
NOTE: High battery voltage might be caused by excessive voltage from the alternator, solar panels, or other external charging sources.
During inverter and AC shore power operation, the inverter monitors the AC and DC circuits. In the event of a short-circuit, overheating, or an overload condition, the inverter will shut down to protect itself from damage. The inverter’s red LED (Figure 9-13) turns on solid and flashes intermittently to indicate the fault condition. For further reading and additional information on the above, refer to the inverter/charger manual located in the Tiffin Knowledge Base Owner’s Hub.
120 Volt (VAC) AC Receptacles:
The motorhome is equipped with several 120 VAC receptacles (Figure 9-14) located throughout the interior of the motorhome. These 120 VAC receptacles are of the “three-prong” variety; the third prong being a grounding pin that provides adequate grounding to protect one from any electrical shock. For these receptacles to work properly, do not use an adapter, cheater, or extension cord, which defeats the function of the grounding pin. For the same reason, never remove or bend away the ground prong or pin from any three-prong AC plug so that it would fit a two-prong AC receptacle (i.e., an un-grounded AC receptacle).
Never operate the motorhome if there is an electrical short present, as an electrical short might deliver an electrical shock to anyone coming in contact with the exterior of the unit.
If you feel even the slightest of electrical shock, immediately disconnect the unit from the 120 VAC power source and locate the electrical fault (i.e., typically, it is a break in the grounding circuit).
Do not reconnect the 120 VAC power until after the electrical fault is fixed—the grounding circuit must be continuous from the frame to the distribution panel, to the power cord, and to the earth ground so that electrical-shock protection is realized.
Ground-Fault-Circuit-Interrupt Receptacles:
In the kitchen and bath areas, there are 120 VAC GFCI receptacle (Figure 9-15), which provide greater protection against inadvertent electrical shocks. These specialized GFCI receptacles provide both overload and short-circuit protection for the user. The electrical receptacles located in the slide-out are wired through the kitchen GFCI. The exterior receptacles are wired through the bathroom GFCI.
If an appliance plugged into a slide-out or exterior receptacle is not working, check for a tripped GFCI in the kitchen or bathroom. All GFCI protected receptacles are marked as such, but only one of them might have two push buttons on the receptacle (as shown in the picture). The upper pushbutton is a “test” button, which can be used to ensure that the GFCI function is working.
To reset this GFCI breaker, push the lower button (the “reset” button) to restore power to all the GFCI receptacles on this circuit. These receptacles protect the user from ground faults between an electrically “hot” wire and ground. The GFCI will not reduce the shock hazard if the short is between a neutral and “hot” wire, or two “hot-load” wires. The GFCI must be tested at least once a month. The 120 VAC electrical system must be ON for the GFCI to be tested.
To test the GFCI, the reset button must be pushed in fully before starting the test. Push the test button; this will cause the reset button to pop out, which means that the protected circuits have been disconnected. Push the reset button back in until a “click” is heard—this will reactivate the protected circuit. If the GFCI is working properly, the reset button will remain in the “in” position
Electrical Generator:
The 10.0 KW electrical generator (Figure 9-16) is located by opening the front hood of the motorhome. Before starting or stopping the generator, make sure that all the 120 VAC appliances are turned OFF. After the generator has started, wait until the transfer switch has connected before turning ON any of the appliances. The generator can be started from either the remote-start switch located on the dash or directly at the generator itself. The hour meter installed on the generator records the number of hours of operation of the generator motor—this elapsed time is needed for observing necessary maintenance schedules on the generator. For more detailed operating instructions and to determine necessary preventive maintenance schedules and procedures, review the manufacturer’s owner’s manual.
Energy Management System:
The energy management system (EMS) (Figure 9-17) distributes all the 120 VAC power throughout the motorhome, whether it comes from the shore power, the generator, or the inverter. The EMS monitors the incoming power and manages the power to reduce circuit breaker tripping. It does this by momentarily shedding power to the loads under its control when the user turns on other more critical appliances in the motor home. EMS restores power when the appliance is turned off. The EMS Spyder Control Panel displays the status of incoming power and the controlled loads.
When coupled with an inverter, EMS reduces battery charge rate prior to shedding any loads. Working together, an inverter assist feature is available. Normally the inverter is at rest when shore power is available. EMS utilizes the inverter and the motorhome battery bank to smooth out peak load demands. The inverter assist feature scales back the charge rate to have more 120 VAC power available for the appliances.
Electrical Power Cord Reel:
To pull the power cord off the power cord reel (Figure 9-18), push and release the retract switch, wait 2 seconds and the clutch will release. You now freely pull the power cord. To retract the power cord, hold the switch until the cord is fully retracted.
Automatic Transfer Switch:
The automatic transfer box switches 120V AC power from the shore or generator to the motorhome’s main distribution panel. The transfer box has a delay of around three seconds before switching power to the shore, and a delay of around 30 seconds before switching power to the generator; see (Figure 9-19).
If the unit is plugged into the shore but there is no power to the motorhome, then make sure the shore outlet has power. If power is present, this might indicate that the unit is sensing an open neutral condition. Start the generator; if the power is restored, then the shore plug, or the outlet might be defective (the neutral line might be broken).
If there is no power to the motorhome from the shore or generator, then check the generator circuit breaker. If the circuit breakers are not tripped in the generator or the motorhome, the transfer box might need to be replaced. For more detailed information on the automatic transfer switch, refer to the specific owner’s instructions found in the Tiffin Knowledge Base Owner’s Hub.
Service to this box is to be done by a qualified technician. DO NOT attempt to remove cover unless the shore cord is unplugged, and the generator is off.
Be sure air conditioning units are off before connecting or disconnecting to or from the shore power.
Circuit Breakers:
The 12 VDC circuit breakers ( Figure 9-20) are located in an external storage compartment. When the circuit breakers are shut down or electrically tripped, they must be manually reset by using the main touch panel. These breakers protect various electrical components throughout the motorhome. As needed, manually reset the circuit breaker or breakers as shown in the accompanying figure. When the breaker is tripped, it will extend outward. To reset it, push the button back in.
Seven-Pin Towing Connector:
The motorhome is equipped with a standard, 7 pin connector near the towing hitch at the rear of the motorhome to supply the necessary circuitry to control a towed vehicle. The wiring of that connector is shown in (Figure 9-21).
Make sure that any cable from the vehicle to be towed is wired correctly to mate properly with the connections shown in the connector diagram. If in doubt about proper wiring, have a qualified service technician prepare and install the necessary cable to mate with the 7-pin connector on the motorhome to ensure proper operation subsequently when any vehicle is towed by the motorhome.
When the towed vehicle is uncoupled from the motorhome and the cable is disconnected from the 7-pin connector, be sure to close the spring-hinged cover plate on the connector to protect the contact pins from dirt or debris. In a similar manner, protect the cable end from similar damage, weather, or debris—one such method could be to place the connector end in a heavy-gauge plastic bag (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.) and secure the bag tightly around the cable with a stout elastic band or tape and then mount the secured cable in a manner to keep it both from mechanical damage and water intrusion.
When the towed vehicle is again coupled to the motorhome through the towing hitch and the cable is again connected to the 7-pin connector, make sure the resultant connection is tight and solid so that the connection does not jar loose during use. Several supplemental methods to secure that connection have been used; some of which include securing the connection with a strong rubber band or with Velcro-type fasteners to provide a supplemental mechanical backup to the actual electromechanical connection. If a conversion adapter to convert the round, 7-pin connector to a flat, 4-pin connector is needed, purchase one from any RV after-market store.
Electrical Diagram Location Link:
