ARTERRA WFCO WF-8900 Series User manual

Operator’s Manual
Distributed in the U.S.A. and Canada by
ARTERRA DISTRIBUTION
[phone]
Warranty: [email protected]
Fax [phone]
www.wfcoelectronics.com Power PROs Technical Support
[phone]
WF-8900 Series
WF-8935 | WF-8945 | WF-8955 | WF-8965 | WF-8975
( The Power Center model number is located on the front panel label next to the breakers)

SAFETY INFORMATION ........................................................................................................... 3
GENERAL INFORMATION
Reverse Battery Protection ........................................................................................................... 3
Blown Fuse Indicators ................................................................................................................... 4
Automatic Cooling Fan ................................................................................................................ 4
Over-Temperature Protection ...................................................................................................... 4
Electronic Current Limiting ......................................................................................................... 4
Short Circuit Protection ............................................................................................................... 5
CIRCUIT PROTECTION
DC Fuses ......................................................................................................................................... 5
AC Circuit Breaker ........................................................................................................................ 5
UL-Listed Main Circuit Breaker List .......................................................................................... 5
UL-Listed Branch Circuit Breaker List ....................................................................................... 5
OPERATIONAL FEATURES
ree Stage Smart Charging ........................................................................................................ 6
TROUBLESHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS
Converter Output Voltage ............................................................................................................. 7
Reverse Polarity Fuses ................................................................................................................... 8
Troubleshooting Flow Chart ......................................................................................................... 8
GENERAL COMPLIANCE INFORMATION
Agency Listings ............................................................................................................................... 9
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Mounting the Enclosure ...............................................................................................................10
Wiring the AC Breakers ............................................................................................................... 10
Wiring the DC Fuse Board ..........................................................................................................11
SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................................................... 13
WARRANTY INFORMATION ....................................................................................................14
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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3
GENERAL INFORMATION
WF-8900 Series Power Center Safety Features
Reverse Battery Protection
e WF-8900 Series Power Centers will charge the 12-volt House battery if installed. A battery
DOES NOT have to be installed for WF-8900 Series Power Center converter operation. When
a battery is installed, two reverse polarity fuses protect the converter circuitry. e fuses are
located along the le-center edge of the DC fuse board below the VCC+ lug. Refer to Figure 1
below. is feature prevents permanent damage to the converter from a battery connected into
the circuit backwards. In addition to protecting the converter section, the reverse polarity fuses
are the main connection between the converter and the DC fuse board.

e fuse values and quantity vary depending on which WF-8900 Series Power Center you
have. Refer to the table and drawing below.
• WF-8935 – 40A (1) *NOTE: Only one of the two Reverse Polarity terminals is used.
• WF-8945 – 30A (2)
• WF-8955 – 40A (2)
• WF-8965 – 20A (4)
• WF-8975 – 20A (4)
Blown Fuse Indicators on DC Fuse Board
e DC Fuse Board has individual blown fuse indicators as standard equipment. Each of
the 11 DC fuse circuits contain a Red LED to indicate a blown fuse. If one of the circuits
draws more current than the rating of the fuse, the fuse will blow. When this occurs, the
Red LED for that circuit will illuminate. NOTE: e fuse board employs surface mount
LEDs which are barely visible to the naked eye. Replace the blown fuse with a known good
fuse of the same rating. NOTE: If the replacement fuse blows again, check that circuit for a
short or overload condition.
Automatic Cooling Fan
e cooling fan in the WF-8900 Series Power Center is incremental and is controlled by the
current drawn out of the converter to the applied load. e on-board microprocessor
increases fan speed as the total load increases and decreases fan speed as the load
decreases. Unlike traditional temperature-controlled fans, the load-controlled fan provides
better component cooling by avoiding temperature spikes which can lead to premature
component failure.
Over-Temperature Protection
If the internal temperature of the converter exceeds a critical point, it will shut down. is
protects the unit from excessive heat that may damage sensitive components. e unit will
restart once the temperature inside has dropped.
Electronic Current Limiting
In the event that the output current exceeds the maximum rating for the WF-8900 Series
Power Center converter, the output current will remain constant but the output voltage
will begin to drop. If this occurs, the unit will recover once loads are reduced.
4
Figure 1

5
Short-Circuit Protection
Should a short circuit occur in the RV, the WF-8900 Series Power Center converter will
drop the voltage output to zero volts. If the short-circuit condition is removed and no
other fault conditions are detected, the converter will resume normal operation. However,
short-circuit conditions are dangerous, and an RV will require inspection by a qualied
service technician.
CIRCUIT PROTECTION
WF-8900 Series Power Center Fuses and Breakers
DC Fuses (12 Volts)
e DC fuse board has spaces for eleven DC circuits. is includes two 30 Amp circuits
(positions F10 and F11) to be used for slide-outs or other higher current loads. ese
circuits have a maximum rating of 30 Amps. e remaining nine circuits have a
maximum 20 Amp rating. e circuit fuses and the Reverse Battery Protection fuses
should be replaced with ATC or ATO automotive type fuses such as:
• Littelfuse type 257
• Bussmann type ATC
AC Circuit Breakers (120/240 Volts)
e AC Breaker side of the WF-8900 Series Power Center is located on upper the le side.
e WF-8900 Series Power Center accepts standard residential breakers. A total of ten
breakers can be installed: one 30 Amp Main breaker and up to a maximum of nine AC
Branch circuits when using duplex breakers. A list of factory tested and approved breakers
follows. e breakers may be purchased at most big-box department stores and home
centers.
UL-Listed Main Circuit Breakers, Rated for 120V, Maximum 30A
e following breakers have been factory tested and approved for use as 30 Amp Main
breakers in the WF-8900 Series Power Center:
Manufacturer Model/Cat. No./Type
Cutler Hammer Type BR and C
omas Betts Type TB or TBBD
ITE/Siemens Type QP or QT
Square D Type HOM or HOMT
Murray Type MP-T or MH-T
General Electric Type THQL
UL-Listed Branch Circuit Breakers, Rated for 120V, Maximum 20A
e following breakers have been factory tested and approved for use as Branch breakers
in the WF-8900 Series Power Center:

Manufacturer Model/Cat. No./Type
Cutler Hammer Type BR and C, Type BRD, BD and A
omas Betts Type TB or TBBD
ITE/Siemens Type QP or QT
Square D Type HOM or HOMT
Murray Type MP-T or MH-T
General Electric Type THQL
When replacing any of the installed circuit breakers, the replacement should be of the same
manufacturer, type designation, and equal interrupting rating, not to exceed 30 A. e
“Short-Circuit-Current” rating for the breaker should be 10,000 Amps.
Breaker Filler Plates: Model #FP-01 or FP-01B (Black)
OPERATIONAL FEATURES
Converter Operation Modes
ree-Stage Smart Charging
In order to maximize battery life, it is best to charge batteries slowly, keep them topped o
with a trickle-charge when the RV is not being used. e 3-Stage “smart” charger continuously
measures the battery voltage output and regulates the amount of charge using three modes of
operation; Absorption, Bulk and Float modes.
All WFCO power converters are automatic three-stage switching power supplies. e converter
senses which mode it needs to be in by checking the RV system voltage.
Figure 2
6

e converter normally provides a constant target output voltage of 13.6 VDC (nominal)
to power all the branch circuits. However, it is current limited, and if the output (load)
current reaches its maximum, the output voltage will drop as necessary to hold the
converter’s maximum output current level (the Amperage rating) without exceeding it.
If the output current reaches its maximum (normally caused by a discharged battery),
this will cause the converter to go into Bulk Mode, which means the target output voltage
will change to 14.4 VDC and a timer will start. Although the converter is outputting 14.4
VDC, you will not be able to read that on a voltmeter due to the voltage-current
relationship. From the paragraph above, as load current increases, output voltage
decreases. e actual output voltage will not rise until the load current is reduced, which
happens naturally as the battery charges or if 12 VDC appliances are turned o.
Bulk Mode will be maintained until the current draw drops to approximately ve Amps,
or until the timer reaches four hours (whichever happens rst). en the target output
voltage is changed back to 13.6 VDC for Absorption Mode. Lights that are powered from
the output may change brightness slightly at that time.
Note: For a detailed explanation of the charging modes, please refer to our publication
“eory of Operation”, document #AD-TD-0001-0.
TROUBLESHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS
Troubleshooting the WF-8900 Series Power Center
Refer to the Troubleshooting Guide for the WF-8900 Series Power Center (Figure 4)
below.
Converter Output Voltage
Before checking the WF-8900 Series Power Center output voltage, disconnect the battery
cables at the battery. Make sure the converter is plugged into an AC source (105-130
VAC). Check the converter output voltage at the battery with a voltmeter. Place the meter
probes on the disconnected battery cables; place the Positive (red) meter probe on the +
Positive red battery wire and place the Negative (black) meter probe on the - Negative
black wire on the battery cable. Be sure you have good connections at the cables. If the
voltage reads 13.6 VDC (+/- 0.2) with no load, the converter is functioning properly.
Figure 3
7

If the converter output voltage at the battery reads 0.0 VDC, or if the battery is not
charging, check for an open inline fuse in the battery wire circuit. One may have been
installed by the RV manufacturer. Also check for loose wiring connections.
Reverse Polarity Fuses
If there is no DC output coming from the WF-8900 Series Power Center converter section,
rst check the reverse polarity fuses on the fuse board. en, visually inspect the fuses for
any breaks in the fuse element. If no breaks are found, use a continuity tester to check for
continuity. If the reverse polarity fuses are blown, it means the RV battery was accidentally
connected in reverse, either at the battery or at the converter. Investigate the connections
and reconnect the cables properly. Replace the fuse with the same type and amperage rating
as the original.
IMPORTANT: ese fuses protect the converter from damage in the event that the RV
battery is accidentally connected in reverse. A reversed battery connection, even if for only
a second, will cause these fuses to blow.
If the above checks have been made but the converter output still reads 0.0 VDC, the
converter is not functioning properly. Contact the Arterra Distribution Power PROs at
1 [phone]. Before placing the call, please have available the WF-8900 Series Power
Center model number from the front panel label and the 14-digit serial number from the
bar code tag located on the MBA mounting plate.
Figure 4
8

Should it be determined that the converter section of the WF-8900 Series Power Center
needs to be replaced, removal of the Main Board Assembly is a simple process.
Replacing the Converter Section (MBA)
Make sure no AC power is coming into the RV from either the Shore Power cord or an
on-board generator. Remove and set aside the Reverse Polarity Fuses to disconnect the
converter section from the rest of the RV DC power.
Perform the following steps:
1. Remove the door assembly by loosening the two screws located in the upper le and
right corners. e screws are captive and will not fall out. Pull forward and outward on
the door assembly to clear the case.
2. In the upper le portion of the fuse board, loosen the NEG- lug (White wire) and the
VCC+ lug (Red wire). Do not back the lug screws all the way out.
3. Locate the tab at the bottom of the fuse board holding the board in place. Gently
depress the tab allowing the fuse board to be pulled forward.
4. With the fuse board pulled slightly away from its mounting, pull the Red and White
wires out of the lugs.
5. In the AC section of the enclosure, locate the Black wire coming up from the converter
in the lower section. As an extra precaution, MAKE SURE THE CONVERTER
BREAKER IS IN THE OFF POSITION. Remove the wire from the breaker. NOTE:
this wire has a metal pin terminal on the end inserted into the breaker. Remove and
position out of the way any wire connected to the pigtail.
6. Locate and remove the converter’s Green Ground wire attached to the AC Ground bar
on the le side of the compartment. In a similar fashion, locate and remove the
converter’s White Neutral wire attached to the AC Neutral bar at the top of the
compartment.
7. In the converter compartment, remove the two screws at the front of the MBA holding
it in place. Slide the MBA forward routing the wires through the slots in the case until
the MBA clears the enclosure.
If the MBA is being returned under a warranty claim, follow the packaging instructions in
your warranty claim packet.
When installing a replacement MBA, reverse the order of steps 1-7. Make sure all wiring
connections are torqued to the proper values found in the toque chart located on the back
of the door assembly.
GENERAL COMPLIANCE INFORMATION
Agency Listings
UL
e WF-8900 Series Power Centers are UL-Listed, and cUL-Listed (Canadian).
FCC Compliance Class B
NOTE: is equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. ese limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. is equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment
in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense. 9

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Installing the WF-8900 Series Power Center
Mounting the Enclosure
e WF-8900 Series enclosure should be mounted in an accessible area such as a wall or in the
side of a cabinet. e front of the enclosure should not be obstructed to allow free air ow for
the cooling fan. e enclosure will slide into a rough opening of 12 3/16” W x 10 7/8” H. e
enclosure depth is 7 1/4”. Aer wiring is completed, the enclosure fastens to the wall or cabinet
using 8 wood screws (not supplied).
Wiring the AC Breakers
Make sure no AC power is coming into the RV from either the Shore Power cord or an on-board
generator. Determine the proper size breakers for the loads the WF-8900 Series Power Center
will be powering. You can use either single or duplex breakers, or a combination of both. We
recommend that all the breakers used be of the same brand. When using duplex style circuit
breakers, a total of 10 breakers can be mounted in the WF-8900 Series Power Center: 1 Main
breaker and 9 Branch breakers. Refer to the tables on pages 5 and 6 for a selection of approved
breakers. e Main breaker should be 30 Amp and is to be installed in the top-most position.
See the wiring diagram below. A hold down clip is provided to keep the breaker securely in
place.
e 30 Amp power cord is routed through the large knockout in the wiring compartment and
secured with a Romex clamp. e Black (Hot) wire is connected to the 30 Amp Main breaker as
shown. e White (Neutral) wire is connected to the Neutral Terminal bar at the bottom of the
wiring compartment. e Green (Ground) wire is connected to the Ground Terminal bar also
located at the bottom of the compartment.
Route the Romex leads for the Branch circuits through the Strain Reliefs in the back of the
wiring compartment. In a similar fashion, connect the Black wire to the Branch breaker and the
White and Green wires to the appropriate Terminal bar. Also, route an 8 AWG Green or bare
Ground wire through the samll diameter hole located next to the Ground bar to the vehicle
chassis.
e Black power wire for the converter has a pigtail connection. e metal pin is inserted in the
Branch breaker designated for converter power. e end with the wire nut can be used to power
another circuit if necessary. If not used, leave the wire nut installed and push the wire to the side.
Make sure all terminals are torqued to the specications listed on the back of the door assembly.
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