Connecticut Electric PARALLAX POWER SUPPLY PARAMODE 5400 Series Manual

Mounting Location
The 5400 series converter is designed for indoor use only! Do not mount in
engine compartment or other harsh environments; avoid areas where high levels of
dust, dirt, or moisture may occur.
The Parallax 5400 series power converter is of solid state design and does not
contain relays or mechanical devices that produce arcs or sparks, but in the unlikely
event that an electronic component would fail, Parallax does not recommend mounting
the power converter in battery compartments or in areas where flammable materials
are stored.
Wire Routing
In order to minimize radio and T.V. interference, avoid routing supply and output
wiring across fan intake or adjacent to ventilation slots of the converter.
Mounting Position
The 5400 series converters require horizontal mounting. Do not mount vertically or
upside down. Allow adequate ventilation for fan intake and exhaust. Mount the 5400
series converter utilizing the mounting holes in the front and rear flanges and using
fasteners appropriate for the mounting surface.
Input Supply Requirements
Connect to a 120VAC 60HZ 3-wire grounded supply with no larger than 20 ampere
circuit protection.
Mounting Clearances
Provide a minimum of three inches on all sides of the converter. Do not mount in
zero clearance compartments; overheating and thermal shut down will result.
011-5400-100 Rev. A

5400 Series
Owner’s Manual
Congratulations on the purchase of your new RV. We hope it provides you many
years of enjoyment. Your Parallax 5400 series contains the latest designed,
technologically advanced, and upgradeable 120-volt to 12-volt power converter
available today. The Parallax 5400 series electronic switch mode power converters
have been designed to give you many years of trouble-free use.
If you have any comments, please contact Parallax’s Customer Service
Representative at the address, fax or phone number below.
Parallax Power Supply
100 West 11th St. Suite 100
Anderson, IN 46016
Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]
General Information
The Parallax 5400 series power converter is a solid-state electronic power supply and
is maintenance free. These revolutionary RV power converters utilize technology
developed for power supplies in computers that provides a clean, stable, voltage
regulated output while also providing safety features designed to help protect the
converter against over-temperature and output over-load.
If any 12-volt appliance fails to operate, first locate your RV’s 12-volt distribution fuse
block and inspect all fuses. If a fuse is open or “blown” replace it with the same size
fuse (never install a larger fuse). If the fuse opens again, have an electrician or
certified RV technician locate the circuit trouble.
If the 5400 series power converter is not working, first confirm the RV supply or
“shoreline” cord is plugged into a live circuit. Then check all the 120-volt breakers in
your RV distribution panel to make sure they are “on”. If a breaker is tripped, follow the
instructions to reset the breaker. If the breaker trips again, consult an electrician or
certified RV technician.
Operation
The 5400 series power converter has been tested for the utmost safety and is
specifically listed for use in the RV. The DC output is over-current protected, and
”reversed battery polarity” protection is provided.
TempAssure (Option) (Patent 7,245,109)
The addition of the (optional) TempAssure module and sensor cable employs
technology that allows the output voltage of the converter to be varied by the
temperature of the RV’s “house” battery. The benefit of this feature helps to provide a
more appropriate charging voltage for the “house” battery exposed to varying ambient
temperatures. For example, in cold climates the output voltage of the converter will be
increased, which results in a more fully charged and maintained
battery. In hot climates the output voltage of the converter will automatically be
lowered, which will aid in reducing excessive out-gassing of the battery caused by the
battery requiring a lower “float” voltage.
Also with the addition of the TempAssure module and sensor cable, the 5400 series
converter will automatically start out in a “boost” mode for the first 4 hours of operation
every time the 5400 series converter is powered “on”. The ouput voltage of the 5400
series converter will still be temperature compensated even while in “boost” mode.
Your RV manufacturers installation may also allow you to manually trigger the
“boost” function by pressing a switch. (Optional wiring configuration.)
While the 5400 series converter with the addition of the TempAssure module is
designed to provide a better means of charging and maintaining the “house”
battery(ies), Parallax Power Supply strongly recommends proper battery maintenance
be performed by the owner on non-maintenance free batteries following the battery
manufacturer’s recommendations. Do not allow the battery cell plates on non-
maintenance free batteries to become exposed to the air. Poor battery performance
will result. Parallax Power Supply will not be responsible for battery failure resulting
from improper battery maintenance.
Converter Operation
The Parallax 5400 Series electronic power converter is designed to supply the
nominal 12-volt filtered D.C. power for all 12-volt operated devices encountered in RV
service. Although the converter is an excellent battery charger, the converter does not
require a battery to be connected to it for proper operation. CAUTION: When installing
a battery(ies) always observe polarity. Connecting a battery with reverse polarity will
blow the power converter polarity protection fuses.
If the 12-volt load exceeds the converter output rating the output voltage will drop.
Turn off some lights or appliances and the output voltage will automatically restore.
The same will occur if the converter exceeds safe operating temperature limits. Check
to see that the converters air circulation is not blocked, or turn off some of the 12-volt
load. Battery Charger Performance
The National Electric Code requires that power converters for RV service use is
marked with an average charge rate, as part of the total continuous output rating.
Average charge rate will depend on several variables such as, condition of the
battery(ies), temperature, and the length of time the battery(ies) are connected to the
converter. In actual RV use, the engine alternator, on board motor generators, and
inverters are also possible sources of charging currents.
With all these variables it is difficult to determine the average charge rate from the
converter. In most cases the average rate will be very small; in the order of a few
hundred milliamps (1 AMPERE= 1,000 MILLIAMPS). Your Parallax 5400 Series
power converter is capable of delivering its full rated output to the battery(ies) if
needed, but current accepted by the battery(ies) at full charge will typically be a few
hundred milliamps.
Converter Cooling System
The 5400 electronic fan cooling system contributes to long converter life and trouble
free operation. The fans operate constantly when the converter is receiving 120VAC.
The amount of air “flow” required is necessary to properly cool the converter
components and the associated “air sound” generated may be audible in quiet
environments.