Introduction
The WFCO WF8712PB Power Center is a compact and efficient power management solution designed specifically for smaller recreational vehicles (RVs) and camping trailers. This unit integrates both AC and DC power distribution, along with a converter function, to provide reliable power to your RV's electrical systems. Its design prioritizes space efficiency, ease of installation, and dependable performance, making it an ideal choice for various RV applications.
Safety Information
Always observe the following safety precautions to prevent injury or damage to the unit and your RV's electrical system:
- Disconnect Power: Before performing any installation, maintenance, or troubleshooting, ensure all power sources (shore power, battery) are disconnected. Failure to do so can result in electric shock or fire.
- Qualified Personnel: Installation and servicing should only be performed by qualified personnel familiar with RV electrical systems and safety standards.
- Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation around the power center. Do not block ventilation openings. Overheating can occur if airflow is restricted.
- Proper Wiring: Use appropriate wire gauges and connectors as specified in electrical codes and this manual. Incorrect wiring can lead to fire hazards or equipment malfunction.
- Fuse and Breaker Replacement: Always replace fuses and circuit breakers with those of the same type and rating. Using incorrect ratings can damage the unit or create a fire hazard.
- Environmental Conditions: Do not expose the unit to water, excessive moisture, or extreme temperatures.
Setup and Installation
The WF8712PB Power Center is designed for ease of installation. Follow these steps carefully:
- Mounting Location: Select a dry, well-ventilated location within your RV, typically an interior wall or cabinet. Ensure there is sufficient space for wiring connections and access to the front panel. The unit dimensions are approximately 31.19 cm (L) x 19.61 cm (W) x 17.2 cm (H).
- Prepare Opening: Create an opening in the mounting surface that accommodates the rear of the power center, allowing the front panel to sit flush. Refer to the unit's physical dimensions for precise cutting.
- AC Wiring (105-130 VAC, 60 Hz):
- Connect the main AC input (shore power) to the designated terminals. The WF8712PB supports a 30 Amp main circuit.
- Install appropriate AC circuit breakers (not included) for the three branch AC circuits. These are typically 15A or 20A breakers depending on your RV's AC loads.
- Connect the AC branch circuits to their respective breakers.
- Ensure all AC connections are securely tightened to prevent loose connections and potential hazards.
Figure 1: Front view of the WF8712PB Power Center with the cover open, displaying the AC circuit breaker slots on the left and the DC fuse panel on the right. This view is crucial for understanding AC and DC wiring points. - DC Wiring (12 Amps DC Output):
- Connect the main DC positive wire from your RV battery to the designated battery input terminal on the power center.
- Connect the main DC negative wire (ground) to the common negative bus bar.
- Connect your RV's 12V DC appliance circuits to the four DC fuse protected outputs (F1-F4). The unit provides four DC circuits for various RV loads.
- Ensure all DC connections are secure.
Figure 2: Rear view of the WF8712PB Power Center, illustrating the DC wiring terminals. This image helps identify where to connect the blue, yellow, green, red, and white wires for DC appliances and battery connections. - Secure Mounting: Once all wiring is complete and verified, secure the power center to the mounting surface using appropriate fasteners.
- Final Check: Double-check all connections for tightness and correct polarity before restoring power.
Operating Instructions
The WF8712PB Power Center operates automatically to manage your RV's power needs:
- AC Power Distribution: When connected to shore power (105-130 VAC, 60 Hz), the unit distributes AC power to your RV's AC outlets and appliances through the installed circuit breakers.
- DC Power Conversion: The integrated converter automatically converts 120 VAC shore power to 12 VDC to power your RV's DC appliances (lights, water pump, fans, etc.) and to charge your RV's battery.
- Battery Charging: The converter features a multi-stage battery charging system to ensure optimal and safe charging of your RV's 12V battery. It typically includes bulk, absorption, and float modes.
- DC Fuse Panel: The DC fuse panel protects your 12V DC circuits. If a 12V appliance stops working, check the corresponding fuse on the panel. Many units include LED indicators next to blown fuses for easy identification.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps ensure the longevity and safe operation of your power center:
- Inspect Connections: Periodically check all AC and DC wiring connections for tightness. Loose connections can cause overheating and poor performance.
- Clean Vents: Ensure that the ventilation openings are free from dust, debris, or obstructions. Use a soft brush or vacuum to clean them.
- Fuse Inspection: Regularly inspect the DC fuses. If a fuse blows, replace it with a fuse of the exact same amperage rating.
- Battery Maintenance: Follow your battery manufacturer's recommendations for maintenance, as proper battery care contributes to the power center's efficiency.
- Environmental Check: Ensure the installation area remains dry and free from excessive moisture or corrosive elements.
Troubleshooting
Here are some common issues and their potential solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No AC power to outlets. | Tripped main breaker or branch circuit breaker; no shore power. | Check and reset main breaker on power center and at shore power pedestal. Check individual branch circuit breakers. Verify shore power connection. |
| No 12V DC power to appliances. | Blown DC fuse; converter not operating; battery low/dead. | Check and replace any blown DC fuses (look for LED indicators). Ensure shore power is connected to activate converter. Check RV battery charge level. |
| Battery not charging. | Converter not receiving AC power; faulty battery connection; converter malfunction. | Verify AC input to the power center. Check battery connections for corrosion or looseness. Consult a qualified technician if converter is suspected to be faulty. |
| Humming noise from unit. | Normal operation (fan or transformer hum); loose components. | A slight hum is normal. If excessive or new, ensure unit is securely mounted and no internal components are loose. |
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | WF8712PB |
| Input Voltage | 105-130 VAC, 60 Hz |
| Output Voltage (DC) | 12 Amps DC |
| AC Circuits | 3 Branch AC circuits + 1 x 30 Amp Main AC circuit |
| DC Circuits | 4 DC circuits (fuse protected) |
| Total Circuits | 8 (AC + DC) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 31.19 x 19.61 x 17.2 cm (approx.) |
| Weight | 2.4 kg |
| Material | Plastic |
| Color | Black |
| UPC | 816227010025 |
Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official WFCO website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.
Manufacturer: NOSYJ (for WFCO products)
Place of Business: Elkhart, IN 46514, USA
For the most up-to-date contact information and detailed warranty terms, please visit the manufacturer's official website.
