Parallax 3215, 3230, 3220, 3240 Owner's Manual

3200 Series Owner Operator Manual

1 12 Volts DC from Power Converter

When 120 VAC is connected to Converter via commercial power of RV generator, Converter—via its
Automatic Relay—is instantly switched into the circuit to convert the 120 VAC to 12 VDC to run 12 volt
lights and motors in RV.
MODEL 3215—Utilizes Manual Switch in top panel of Converter-in place of Automa tic Relay. Put
This switch in “CONV” position to convert 120 VAC to 12 VDC.
Equipment limited to operation from pure 12 volt battery power—including 12 volt TV’s, radios, stereos,
unfiltered fluorescent lights—must be connected directly into RV storage battery line, or equipped with
filter—as Converters do not produce the “pure” 12 volt DC needed by these items.
AUTOMATIC-RESET THERMAL BREAKER

A protective T hermal Breaker will “break” the 120 VAC power to Converter if Converter becomes
overheated—by operation above its maximum limit for an extended period of time or obstruction of
ventilation to unit.
Model 3220, 3230 or 3240—with Automatic Relay—will instantl y switch 12V lights and motors to
battery.
Model 3215 with Manual Switch—will simply interrupt the 120 VAC to Converter.

In either case, the Thermal Breaker will reset itself after a period of time, and the lights and motors will
again resume operation from Converter—only to shortly again “br eak”. When this occurs, take immediate
steps to correct cause of overheating. A portion of RV 12-volt load—lights or motors or both—should be
turned off to reduce total load. Also, inspect Converter to make certain ventilation is not obstructed.

DC DISTRIST RIBUTION PANEL
A DC Distribution Panel is installed in front compartment of Converter—or is located adjacent to

Converter. This panel contains circuits with replaceable fuses for protection of RV 12-volt light and motor
lines.
If any line is loaded beyond the capacity of its fuse, the fuse will “blow”. A portion of the 12-volt load on
the line—lights and/or motors—must be turned off to reduce total load on the line below the capacity of the
fuse. Replace fuse with same size fuse. DO NOT put in larger fuse than indicated.

If this reduction of load on the line does not stop the “blowing” of the replaceable fuses, there may be a
“short” along the 12-volt line or at a nonfused 12-volt motor on the line. Check the RV 12-volt line and
equipment on the line. Locate the “short” and take the necessary steps t o repair it.

IMPORTANT
If 12 V lights and motors will NOT operate as indicated above, check to make certain 120 VAC power is

power is properly attached to RV.
With 120 VAC power disconnected from RV as a safety m eas ure, inspect electrical connection between
RV 120 VAC distribution box and Converter and make certain RV 12 volt light and motor lines are
properly wired to Converter—as per instructions in compartment. If necessary, check with your RV dealer
or contact our Customer Service Department as indicated in No. 4.

12 Volts DC from Storage B attery

When 120 VAC is NOT connected to Converter via commercial power or RV generator, the Converter--­via its Automatic Relay—will switch RV battery into the circuit for power to operate 12-volt lights and
motors.

Model 3215—Utilizes a Manual Switch. Put it in “BATT” position to bring RV battery into the
circuit.
When 120 VAC is again available , connect it to Converter. The Converter—through its Automatic Relay—
will be brought back into circuit. For Converters wit h Manual Switch, put switch back in “CON V”
position.
When operating RV 12-volt equipment from RV battery, reduce the amount of equi pment in use—to
conserve battery. Gradual dimming of lights and slowing of motors indicates low battery vo ltage. If 12 volt
Equipment will not operate from RV battery, check wiring between Converter and battery. If this line is
fused and “blown”, inspect for overload or “short”. DO NOT install oversize fuse. Make certain battery is
fully charged—see No. 3 below.
Battery Charging Section—Option C
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Units with OPTI ON C contain an automatic, solid-state Battery Charger Section. When 120 VAC power is
connected to Converter, the Charger Section will automatically “sense” the condition of RV battery. If it is
below “full charge,” Charger Section will start charging the b attery.

If RV battery has been drawn down quite low, it will be charged at a relatively high amperage rate. If
battery has not been severely drained, it will be charged at lower amperage rate. The rate of charge will
decline as the battery reaches “full charge.” After battery reached “full charge,” the Charger will drop back
to “maintenance” level. If will not resume active charging until battery again fal l s below “full charge.” If
your storage battery can not be charged as described above it is possible the battery is defective—see
“Battery Mainten ance” below.

STORAGE BATTERY MAINTENANCE
Warning—before inspecting or servicing storage batter y, read and follow ba tte r y m anufacturer’s

cautions and directions.
Your RV storage battery mus t be properly maintained so it can perform its functions as described in No. 2
& 3 above. The following suggestions—plus those of battery manufacturer—will help you maintain yo ur
storage battery:
The battery mus t be in good condition wit h wate r at proper level when first installed in RV.
When 120 VAC is connected to Converter, check battery once a week. As battery ages, it will usually need
water added more often.
If 120 VAC is not connected to Converter, it should be reconnected to Converter once a month for 8-12
hours to “recharge” battery.
If you store battery outside of RV, a battery ch arged should be connected to it at least once a month to
recharge battery.
Do not allow batte ry to remain in discharged condition—it will become sulfated and not accept a proper
“charge.”
Some situations, which may indicate, need for battery replacement are:
The loss of more water in one cell than others.
Continuous loss of water i n all cells—perhaps accompanied by overheating of batte r y, gassing and extreme
bubbling.
A marked difference in the specific gravity readi ng be tween one cell and others.