Flunked converter 101 class...HELP

[dtuten]

Hello Rv'ers,
My original thread was for converter not charging...after flipping ckt breaker on and cleaning battery cable terminals, all seemed well.
With converter on I measured 13.45v on each coach battery v/s 12.3 before charge and cabin monitor indicated charging. Question: When I flipped the breaker on for the converter, fan came on and stayed on about 1/2 hour or so and then stopped. I went back every couple hours and did not hear fan. Should the fan stay on while charging or only when converter reaches a preset inside temperature? I checked temp with thermometer and it read 108f. Also, it seems the converter is constantly charging coach batteries. I would think when the batteries reached a certain voltage, converter would sense and stop but hasn't for a couple of days now. Can batteries get overcharged? Bottom line, I don't understand squat about converters but am trying to learn....thanks for all your help.....

[Flybob]

Converter fan is temp controlled. Early on when batteries are discharged, the current is higher and the converter temp increases turning on fan. As batteries come up to charged, the current decreases and the temp decreases and the fan shut off. If have increased 12VDC usage, it could cycle on again.

[wmtire]

Howdy dtuten, it depends on the make/model of your converter as to if it is a true three stage charger or not.

This link may help somewhat in the understanding of the converter.

RV Converters and Amp Draw - RV Information (RV Maintenance)

[SeaDog]

Depending on the converter it may take hours for it to charge your batteries to a level that the converter can go into a float mode. Like Flybob said heavy usage of a 12v system may cause the fan to come on.

[boondocking]

Originally Posted by dtuten

Hello Rv'ers,
Also, it seems the converter is constantly charging coach batteries. I would think when the batteries reached a certain voltage, converter would sense and stop but hasn't for a couple of days now. Can batteries get overcharged? Bottom line, I don't understand squat about converters but am trying to learn....thanks for all your help.....

The converter never shuts down. It will always give a constant voltage between 13.4-13.6 volts after the batteries have been fully charged.