WFCO WF-9800LiS 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-9900 Series
Deckmount Converter-Charger
WF-9800LiS Series

SAFETY INFORMATION ........................................................................................................... 3
GENERAL INFORMATION
Reverse Battery Protection ........................................................................................................... 3
Automatic Cooling Fan ................................................................................................................ 4
Over-Temperature Protection ...................................................................................................... 4
Electronic Current Limiting ......................................................................................................... 4
Short Circuit Protection ............................................................................................................... 4
CIRCUIT PROTECTION
DC Fuses ......................................................................................................................................... 5
OPERATIONAL FEATURES - LEAD ACID
ree Stage Smart Charging ........................................................................................................ 5
OPERATIONAL FEATURES - LITHIUM
Two Stage Smart Charging .......................................................................................................... 6
Converter Modes of Operation ................................................................................................... 6
Bulk Mode ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Absorption Mode .......................................................................................................................... 7
TROUBLESHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS
Converter Output Voltage ............................................................................................................. 8
Reverse Polarity Fuses ................................................................................................................... 9
Troubleshooting Flow Chart ......................................................................................................... 9
GENERAL COMPLIANCE INFORMATION
Agency Listings ............................................................................................................................... 9
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Mounting the Enclosure ...............................................................................................................10
DC Connections ............................................................................................................................10
AC Connections ............................................................................................................................11
SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................................................... 13
WARRANTY INFORMATION ....................................................................................................14
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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3
GENERAL INFORMATION
WF-9800LiS Series Converter-Charger Safety Features
Reverse Battery Protection
e WF-9800LiS Series Converter-Chargers will charge the 12-volt house battery if installed.
A battery does not have to be installed for WF-9800LiS Series Converter-Chargers operation.
When a battery is installed, two reverse polarity fuses are installed to protect the converter
circuitry. e fuses are located on the rear panel of the enclosure near the AC power cord (refer
to Figure 1 on the next page). is feature prevents permanent damage to the converter from a
battery connected into the circuit backwards. In addition to protecting the converter-charger, the
reverse polarity fuses are the main connection between the converter-charger and the DC fuse
board of a distribution center.

Automatic Cooling Fan
e cooling fan in the WF-9800LiS Series Converter-Chargers is controlled by the
current (Amperage) load attached to the converter, NOT by temperature. 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-9800LiS
Series Converter-Charger, 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.
Short-Circuit Protection
Should a short circuit occur in the RV, the WF-9800LiS Series Converter-Charger 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.
4
Figure 1

5
CIRCUIT PROTECTION
WF-9800LiS Series Converter-Charger Fuses
DC Fuses (12 Volts)
e DC fuse receptacle on the rear panel of the WF-9800LiS Series Converter-Charger has space
for 1 (one) or 2 (two) Reverse Battery Protection fuses (see Figure 1 above). ese fuses should
be replaced with ATC or ATO automotive type fuses, such as Littelfuse type 257 or Bussmann
type ATC. Each converter model requires a dierent Amperage value fuse as follows:
• WF-9835LiS - (1) 40A
• WF-9845LiS - (2) 30A
• WF-9855LiS - (2) 35A
• WF-9865LiS - (2) 40A
• WF-9875LiS - (2) 40A
OPERATIONAL FEATURES
Lead Acid Converter 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.
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.

6
OPERATIONAL FEATURES
Lithuium Converter Modes
Two-Stage Smart Charging
e two-stage “smart” charger continuously measures the battery voltage output and
regulates the amount of charge using two modes of operation: Bulk and Absorption
mode.
Converter Modes of Operation
Understanding output voltages of a two-stage converter.
Figure 2
Figure 3

Bulk Mode:
is mode is designed with 2 purposes in mind. First, to quickly restore the energy back into
the battery. Second, to ensure the lithium cells inside the battery remain balanced. is is
accomplished by boosting the output voltage to 14.6 VDC and allowing the maximum current
to ow as required by the loads.
e bulk mode stage could last anywhere from 1 to 4 hours based on the battery and load
current which is being used. For a full battery, the bulk stage has a minimum time requirement
of 1 hour, which allows the lithium cells inside the battery the time required to “balance”. For an
empty battery, the bulk stage has a maximum time requirement of 4 hours. If your
application requires longer than 4 hours (such as a larger battery bank > 200 Ahr), a simple
cycling of power will reset the timers.
As the energy is restored into the battery, the DC system voltage will climb and the current from
the converter will decrease. If the total amperage draw from the converter reaches a preset point
(within the 1 to 4 hour timer), the converter is designed to drop out of bulk mode.
Absorption Mode:
is mode is designed with 1 purpose in mind. is purpose is to provide a safe operating
voltage for all loads in the RV. is is accomplished by reducing (from bulk mode) the output
voltage to 13.6 VDC and remaining at this voltage until the power is cycled to the converter.
e absorption mode stage is the default or normal mode of operation, which has no timer
associated with it. In this mode an output of 13.6 VDC is provided to the DC circuits in the RV.
is voltage has a long-term history as the acceptable voltage for all loads in the RV, and should
not place undue stress (nor reduce the longevity) of the lights and appliances in the RV. is is
not to say that all loads will have an issue with a constant higher voltage; however, some loads
may have an issue. Please refer to the individual manufacturer’s specications for acceptable
operating voltage range of the connected load.
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TROUBLESHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS
Troubleshooting the WF-9800LiS Series Converter-Charger
Converter Output Voltage
Before checking the WF-9800LiS Series Converter-Charger output voltage, disconnect the
battery cables at the battery. Make sure the converter is plugged into a live AC source (105-130
Volts). 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 (Figure 4). Be sure you have good connections at the cables.With the
switch in the Lead Acid (LA) position, if the voltage reads 13.6 - 14.4 VDC (+/- 0.2) with no
load, the converter is functioning properly. With the switch in the Lithium (LI) position, if the
voltage reads 13.6 - 14.6 VDC (+/- 0.2) with no load, the converter is functioning properly.
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.
Figure 4
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Reverse Polarity Fuses
If there is no DC output coming from the WF-9800LiS Series Converter-Charger output
lugs, rst check the reverse polarity fuses on the rear panel. 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 if 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.
GENERAL COMPLIANCE INFORMATION
Agency Listings
UL
e WF-9800LiS Series Converter-Chargers 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.
Figure 5
79

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Installing the WF-9800LiS Series Converter-Charger
Mounting the Enclosure
e WF-9800LiS Series Converter-Charger enclosure should be mounted in an accessible area
such as a wall or in the side of a cabinet. Select a mounting location near the shore power and
battery (batteries), in an area where the owner is unlikely to store items as this could reduce
clearance requirements, obstruct ventilation openings and aect the performance of the
converter (Figure 6).
e location should be selected to prevent excessive heat, water, moisture, dust and dirt entering
the unit installed. As a rule, allow two cubic feet of clear airspace and or any additional venting
as necessary to prevent the unit from overheating. e front of the enclosure should not be
obstructed to allow free air ow for the cooling fan (Figure 6).
An 8AWG copper conductor shall be used to bond the WF-9800LiS Series Converter-Charger to
the vehicle frame.
DC Connections
Connect a Red 8 AWG wire to the POS+ lug on the distribution center’s fuse board. Make sure
this lug is torqued properly. In a similar fashion, connect a Black 8 AWG wire to the NEG- lug on
the distribution center’s fuse board.
A battery IS NOT required for converter operation. e battery works in conjunction with the
converter to supply DC power to the RV. A battery is typically only necessary if you do a lot of dry
camping or have slide-outs and/or a leveling system.
Figure 6
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Deep-cycle batteries are recommended. ey can be either of the Lead-Acid or the AGM
type. e Amp hour (Ah) rating should be shown on the battery; for example, 120A. If you
do a lot of dry camping, we recommend using a deep cycle battery rated at 100 Amp hours
or more. e higher the Amp hour rating, the longer the battery will be able to deliver
power when the converter is not plugged in. If you are plugged into shore power most of the
time, a normal deep cycle battery will work.
When installing batteries, the batteries MUST be the same brand and type (preferably the
same age as well). Adding more batteries will provide longer use of DC appliances when not
on shore power. Due to the additional battery load, the converter’s battery charging
eciency may be reduced. However, even in normal “Absorption Mode” (13.6 VDC range),
the batteries are being charged, just at a slower rate.
NOTE: e converter will not work without AC input. You may notice that, when a battery
is connected or reconnected to the converter’s output, the onboard fan may energize for a
few seconds. is is normal and is the converter’s circuitry recognizing the battery voltage.
You will notice the same occurrence when the converter is initially energized on Shore
power.
No Switch Installed:
To use the converter in the lead/acid mode only, nothing needs to be done. To use the
converter in the lithium mode only, place a jumper wire across the two WAGO connectors
on the back of the converter.
With Remote Switch Installed:
Determine location for switch. Switch should be dry contact SPST with two wires coming
from it (24AWG to 12AWG). Connect the open end of the two wires to the WAGO
connectors on the back of the converter.
To operate the converter modes Using Switch:
If switch is open, then the converter will be in the lead/acid mode and the output voltage
will read 13.2 vdc to 13.6 vdc If the switch is closed, then the converter will be in the lithium
mode and the output voltage will read approx. 14.6 vdc.
AC Connections
e WF-9800LiS Series Converter-Chargers receive power from the power cord on the
opposite end of the enclosure from the DC lugs. e WF-9835LiS, WF-9845LiS and
WF-9855LiS have a standard 15 Amp plug.
e WF-9865LiS and WF-9875LiS have a 20 Amp plug due to the higher current required
from the AC line to produce the high DC current output. e 20 Amp plug and
corresponding receptacle are shown in Figure 7 below. e 20 Amp receptacle must be
wired back to the fuse box using 12AWG wire minimum.
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Figure 7
Figure 8
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Figure 9
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CONSUMER LIMITED WARRANTY
for WFCO Electronic Products
WFCO extends, to the original owner, a Two Year Limited Product Warranty. is
warranty is in eect from the date of original purchase for a period of two (2) years. is
limited warranty is extended specically for and is limited to Recreational Vehicle
application and is only valid within the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii and the
Provinces of Canada. WFCO warrants, to the owner, that its products are free from defects
in material and workmanship under normal use and service based on its intended use and
function. is warranty is limited to the repair or replacement, at WFCO’s discretion, of any
defective parts or defective assembly. Any implied warranties of merchantability or tness
for intended use are limited in duration unless applicable State Law provides otherwise. You
may have other rights as specied by each individual state.
EXCLUSIONS and LIMITATIONS
e OEM warranty specically does not apply to the following:
• Any WFCO product that has been repaired or altered by an unauthorized person;
• Any damage caused by misuse, faulty installation, testing, negligence, accident or any
WFCO product installed in a commercial vehicle;
• Any WFCO product, whose serial number has been defaced, altered or removed;
• Any WFCO product, whose installation has not been in accordance to the WFCO
written instructions;
• Any consequential damages arising from the loss of use of the product including but not
limited to: inconvenience, loss of service, loss of revenue, loss or damage to personal
property, cost of all services performed in removing or replacing the WFCO product.
Specications are subject to change without notice or obligation.
• Any WFCO Electronics products sold through unauthorized Internet sources
(Example: eBay) will be excluded from all warranty coverage oered by Arterra
Distribution / WFCO.
CONSUMER WARRANTY CLAIM PROCEDURE
Upon determination and validation by an authorized OEM dealer that a WFCO product has a
defect, a Return Goods Authorization (RGA) number will be required before the product can
be returned. e RGA number can be requested by completing the Warranty Information Fax
Sheet and appropriate Troubleshooting Form found at www.wfcoelectronics.com. Once these
forms have been completed, email the forms along with Proof of Purchase to
[e-mail] or fax the three documents to the Warranty Department at
[phone]. Aer receipt of the forms, an RGA number will be issued. is number shall
appear on all correspondence with warranty service. Upon validation of the warranty, WFCO
shall replace the product with a like product. e RGA number shall be placed on the outside
of the carton used to return the product for ease of identication. Do not mark directly on
the product. e product must be packaged properly to avoid further product damage which
could cause a non-warrantable condition.
WARRANTY ASSISTANCE
e consumer may contact the selling Dealer or OEM for warranty assistance.
e consumer may also contact Arterra Distribution, exclusive distributor to WFCO
Products at: [phone] or Fax [phone].
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