Panel recommendation?

[egar]

I bought a wfco model 8914 30 amp AC dc panel from another member and found out from the company it is obsolete. Can anyone recommend a good affordable panel? I will be adding a separate converter but no inverter.

[vikx]

Does it work? No reason it can't be used...

The "converter" portion can be replaced, so use the DC side and maybe add a converter if needed.

[egar]

Vikx,
Was a little confused about the wiring for the dc side and the company has no manuals or schematics any more, according to the tech guy. My big question is whether the bar on the backside of the box is for each ground wire for each fuse/ circuit . I will post pix of the box when I get a chance. Birch interior is going up fast and I'm nearing this point.

[vikx]

Pix would be helpful to figure out the connections. Both sides of the board, please. Wfco are not known for being long lived. If the 12 volt converter is dead, it's better to buy a new one...

Normally, a terminal block (from the big lugs) is used for the grounds and a fuse block for the hots. Don't know if this helps or not.

[egar]

Don't have a converter picked out yet. Thanks for the tip.

[vikx]

A good way to go is to separate the 110 and 12 volt systems. I use a Square D QO box from Home Depot (4 circuits max) for the 110. The lights are 110 or 12 volt, about 3 of each. A battery maintainer keeps everything working.

Since you already have the WFCO, the 110 portion will work, as will the 12 volt panel. All you need to do is bypass the original converter with a new converter. (Progressive Dynamics are well thought of) Buy a converter with a smart charger to protect your battery(s).

I normally don't use a converter but the above allows you to use all 12 volt lighting. My 53 Hanson has a converter; went way overboard with it. LOL.

[mikec]

I bought this converter from Vintage trailer supply for my 63 Airflyte, it works great and it is small enough to fit under the dinette seat by the water tank. It's very compact and has both 110 and 12 volt breakers and fuses in it.
www.vintagetrailersupply.com/Inteli_Power_4045_p/vts-567.htm

[egar]

Thanks guys. I didn't buy a converter yet. But I promise to post a pic of the front and back of the panel tomorrow. I'm trying to figur out how the 12 v wire connect next to the fuses. There are no screws. And there is a bus bar on the backside of the 12v side ..is it for the individual grounds for each 12v branch circuit? Sold my baby today so I can get the trailer done.

[vikx]

Love that bike! Somebody got a real GEM.....

[egar]

Thanks. Took two years to restore and the camper isn't much faster....

[egar]

Her are the panel pix. I understand nd that the big lugs on the 12v side are for battery and converter connections. What about the branch circuits? Ground on back of panel and hot to each fuse? And how do they attach to the prong next to each fuse?

[cowcharge]

Dec 1, 2012 19:45:39 GMT -5 egar said:

Thanks guys. I didn't buy a converter yet. But I promise to post a pic of the front and back of the panel tomorrow. I'm trying to figur out how the 12 v wire connect next to the fuses. There are no screws. And there is a bus bar on the backside of the 12v side ..is it for the individual grounds for each 12v branch circuit? Sold my baby today so I can get the trailer done.

My first bike was a '72 with the scrambler pipes.

[vikx]

Clearer pictures of the instructions?

[egar]

I can't believe I didn't discover this diagram on the back cover until this morning. If I am reading it right, wouldn't the battery and converter grounds go to the bus bar on the backside? If so, I think I have it figured out.

[vikx]

Can't see the entire diagram, so I'm in the dark...

Good Luck! And let us know how it goes.