WFCO WF-9500MBA 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-9500MBA Series
WF-9540MBA | WF-9560MBA | WF-9580MBA
( The Power Center model number is located on the front panel label next to the breakers)

SAFETY INFORMATION ........................................................................................................... 3
GENERAL INFORMATION
Automatic Cooling Fan ................................................................................................................ 3
Over-Temperature Protection ...................................................................................................... 3
Electronic Current Limiting ......................................................................................................... 4
Short Circuit Protection ............................................................................................................... 4
CIRCUIT PROTECTION
Reverse Battery Protection ........................................................................................................... 4
OPERATIONAL FEATURES
ree Stage Smart Charging ........................................................................................................ 5
TROUBLESHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS
Converter Output Voltage ............................................................................................................. 6
Reverse Polarity Fuses ................................................................................................................... 6
Troubleshooting Flow Chart ......................................................................................................... 7
Replacing the MBA .........................................................................................................................7
GENERAL COMPLIANCE INFORMATION
Agency Listings ............................................................................................................................... 9
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Mounting the MBA ........................................................................................................................ 9
WARRANTY INFORMATION ....................................................................................................10
SPECIFICATIONS .........................................................................................................................11
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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3
GENERAL INFORMATION
WF-9500MBA Series Main Board Assembly Safety Features
Automatic Cooling Fan
e cooling fan in the WF-9500 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-9500 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.
Short-Circuit Protection
Should a short circuit occur in the RV, the WF-9500 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-9500MBA Series Main Board Assembly Fuses and Breakers
Reverse Battery Protection
e WF-9500MBA Series Main Board Assembly will charge the 12-volt House battery if
installed. A battery DOES NOT have to be installed for WF-9500MBA Series Main Board
Assembly to oper-ate. When a battery is installed, two reverse polarity fuses protect the MBA
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 MBA
from a battery connected into the circuit backwards. In addition to protecting the MBA, the
reverse polarity fuses are the main connection between the MBA and the DC fuse board.
e fuse values and quantity vary depending on which WF-9500MBA Series Main Board
Assembly you have. Refer to the table below.
• WF-9540MBA – 25A (2)
• WF-9560MBA – 35A (2)
• WF-9580MBA – 30A (3)
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
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5
DC Fuse Board
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.
e converter normally provides a constant target output voltage of 13.6 volts (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 maxi-mum 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 volts and a timer will start. Although the converter is outputting 14.4 volts,
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
out-put voltage will not rise until the load current is reduced, which happens naturally as
the battery charges or if 12-volt 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 volts for Absorption Mode. Lights that are powered from
the output may change brightness slightly at that time.
Figure 1

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-9500MBA Series Main Board Assembly
Refer to the Troubleshooting Guide for the WF-9500MBA Series Main Board Assembly
(Figure 3) below.
Converter Output Voltage
Before checking the WF-9500MBA Series Main Board Assembly output voltage, disconnect
the battery cables at the battery. Make sure the converter is plugged into an 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. 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.
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.
DC Reverse Polarity (Fuses)
If there is no DC output coming from the WF-9500MBA Series Main Board Assembly
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.
Figure 2
6

AC Reverse Polarity (Audible Alarm)
is power center is equipped with an AC REVERSE POLARITY PROTECTION feature.
Should the incoming AC neutral wire and lead wire be connected backwards at the power
center, an alarm located in the power center enclosure will sound. is alarm will
continue to sound until the AC wires are connected correctly.
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].
Should it be determined that the WF-9500MBA Series Main Board Assembly needs to be
replaced, removal of the Main Board Assembly Is a simple process.
Replacing the Converter Section (MBA)
Figure 3
7

DC Wire Removal:
1. Drop door down and remove the door assembly by loosening the two screws in the
upper le and right corners of the door assembly. e screws are captive and will not fall
out. Pull out at the top of the door assembly to remove from case.
2. On the bottom le side of the fuse board nd the lug that is marked NEG and has a
white wire going to it. Loosen screw and remove wire.
3. On the bottom right side of the fuse board nd the lug that is marked VCC and has a red
wire going to it. Loosen screw and remove wire.
AC Wire Removal:
CAUTION: MAKE SURE THE RV IS UNPLUGGED FROM ANY 110V POWER
SOURCE (SHORE CORD, GENERATOR, OR INVERTER).
4. Remove the converter black wire from the breaker. NOTE: is wire has a metal pin that
is inserted into the breaker with a pigtail wire added to it. If the pigtail wire is connected
to another wire, disconnect that wire from the pigtail.
5. Remove the converter white wire from the neutral bus bar.
6. Remove the converter green wire from the ground bus bar.
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
you see the majority of the MBA board. Disconnect the 3-pin connector on the MBA
control board by pulling it out of the socket. At this time, you can pull the MBA out of
the case.
NOTE: When installing a replacement MBA, reverse the order of steps 1-7.
If the MBA is being returned under a warranty claim, follow the packaging instructions in
your warranty claim packet.
Figure 4
8

GENERAL COMPLIANCE INFORMATION
Agency Listings
UL
e WF-9500MBA Series Main Board Assemblies 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.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Installing the WF-9500MBA Series Main Board Assembly
Mounting the Converter Section (MBA)
Refer to Replacing the Converter Section (MBA) on page 8 for complete removal and
installation instructions.
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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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