How can I tell if I killed my WFCO power Converter?

[Bilcin]

I hooked up my battery backwards and now don't know if I damaged my converter. I am plugged in to shore power (15amp circuit) and have 120 volts. Microwave works. I also have hooked up a new battery (correct way this time) I have 12v lights, water pump works. I disconnected the battery and no 12v anything. Is the converter supposed to convert 120v to 12v? Does the battery have to be connected for the converter to operate? Lastly, the 2 red 40amp fuses, I was told that they are reverse polarity fuses. Are these different from the other automobile fuses?

[Bilcin]

Originally Posted by Bilcin

I hooked up my battery backwards and now don't know if I damaged my converter. I am plugged in to shore power (15amp circuit) and have 120 volts. Microwave works. I also have hooked up a new battery (correct way this time) I have 12v lights, water pump works. I disconnected the battery and no 12v anything. Is the converter supposed to convert 120v to 12v? Does the battery have to be connected for the converter to operate? Lastly, the 2 red 40amp fuses, I was told that they are reverse polarity fuses. Are these different from the other automobile fuses?

Here is my power Converter panel

[A32Deuce]

Your converter should be protected both ways. Check the fuses and I am sure you will need to replace them. They thought of that a head of time!

[donniedu]

To check the converter, disconnect it from the battery, put a volt meter between the pos and neg posts and with it plugged in read the voltage.

[Bilcin]

Originally Posted by A32Deuce

Your converter should be protected both ways. Check the fuses and I am sure you will need to replace them. They thought of that a head of time!

Thank you, hope when I change the fuses I will be lucky. If you know, are these fuses called reverse polarity fuses? I was in an auto parts store and when I asked for these reverse polarity fuses he said he has no clue what I am asking for. Are these regular automobile 40 amp fuses?

[Bilcin]

Originally Posted by donniedu

To check the converter, disconnect it from the battery, put a volt meter between the pos and neg posts and with it plugged in read the voltage.

I assume that I have to take the front panel off of the converter and I will see the positive and negative post?

[A32Deuce]

They are regular fuses. Just take them with you and match. Mine are Maxi-Fuses.

[Bilcin]

Originally Posted by A32Deuce

They are regular fuses. Just take them with you and match. Mine are Maxi-Fuses.

Thank you! Appreciate your help!

[Bama Rambler]

Those two 40 amp fuses you see about the middle right of the panel are the reverse polarity fuses. Test those to see if they're blown. If so, replace them and see if the converter goes to working.

[Bilcin]

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

Those two 40 amp fuses you see about the middle right of the panel are the reverse polarity fuses. Test those to see if they're blown. If so, replace them and see if the converter goes to working.

Thanks, trying to locate a store that carries them. Pepboys and AutoZone don't carry them, at least online. 10- 30 amps are plentiful but 40 amps are hard to come by I guess.

[A32Deuce]

Since you are in Phila, try American Auto Wire across the river in Belmar NJ. They will have them.

[Bilcin]

Originally Posted by A32Deuce

Since you are in Phila, try American Auto Wire across the river in Belmar NJ. They will have them.

Hey thanks, I am just across the river from them, [emoji1]

[A32Deuce]

I know, that's why I recommended them. I deal with them a lot. Wire Hot Rods and Customs.

[Iwannacamp]

Originally Posted by Bilcin

Thank you! Appreciate your help!

Yours are ATC fuses....same size as your others. NAPA should have them if you have one close.

I ordered an assortment from Amazon...dirt cheap

[Iwannacamp]

FWIW. I am sure a 30 will run it till you get something else.

[Bilcin]

Originally Posted by Iwannacamp

Yours are ATC fuses....same size as your others. NAPA should have them if you have one close.

I ordered an assortment from Amazon...dirt cheap

Thank you for the information!

[Bilcin]

Originally Posted by Iwannacamp

FWIW. I am sure a 30 will run it till you get something else.

Great idea!

[camaraderie]

If you are plugged in and charging the battery through the converter...the voltage at the battery terminals will read somewhere between 13.2V and 14.5V...less than 13.2 and you know that you are not getting a charge from your converter.
Throw your disconnect swith to insure that is not in the wrong position.
Check your fuses as others have said in the converter panel.
If none of that works it is likely time for a new converter.

[Iwannacamp]

Hmmm. I will warn of one thing. If your battery isn't present when you check the output voltage of the converter it may not charge.(possibly) Most chargers of the day are smart...meaning they won't charge unless they sense a battery. Cheap check idea.

[A32Deuce]

If the fuses are good and the battery is not charging then the converter is bad. Mine was, that's how I checked mine.