what is the purpose of a converter?

[vamanos]

On a 1988 Searay 268, I'm not sure what the converter is used for. I'm on shore power that is definetly working. The charger is not working if that matters. What does the converter do when you're not on shore power? Thanks.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: what is the purpose of a converter?

That depends on what type of "converter" you have so a Manufacturer and Model number would help. When connected to shore power, the converter directs 115 volts AC (house power) to the AC outlets in the boat. The converter also converts 115 volts AC to 12 volts DC to power the 12 volt accessories. You said the charger is not working but how do you know that? The converter also provides a battery charging capability as that's how the 12 volt accessories get their power. If the charging portion of the system is not working you need to check the panel for tripped breakers, transfer switch setting, battery connections, battery switch settings, etc. I have no idea if your boat has any or all of these features but if it does, they are all sources of failure.

 

[vamanos]

Re: what is the purpose of a converter?

There is a set of three light rows making up a panel indicating volt power. None of the three are lit. I thought they might be the indicators of the charger working. This looks like a factory installed panel of lights and is located just outside of the head under a fire extinguisher. Does the light panel make sense to you? I may not be describing it correctly.

Last night I turned the converter to the off position and the outlets (running a small portable heater and a computer) and the 12 volt accesories continued to operate. I'm going to understand this whole thing if you're patient enough.

 

[Bondo]

Re: what is the purpose of a converter?

Ayuh,... I'm gonna guess your converter is an Inverter, which is for using 120v stuff, while on batteries, not shore power,...

 

[vamanos]

Re: what is the purpose of a converter?

The switch in the breaker box says converter and not inverter. Hum.

Bear with me here please---Do you think that the panel of lights (none of them lit) is a factory panel? Do you think it is an indicator of the charger working or not?

 

[vamanos]

Re: what is the purpose of a converter?

I also wrote the last post, fyi. The owners manual is quite brief, but it does indicate that the volt meter on the dash should show what volts are going into the system via the converter while the engine is off of course. Does this sound right? I'll look next time I'm out to the boat. From what I've heard from you so far, it sounds like my 110 and my 12 volt are running through the converter. The manual also says to leave the converter on at all times. Does that sound right? It does say that all breakers should be turned off before re-connecting shore power.

 

[wire2]

Re: what is the purpose of a converter?

So it's the breaker that supplies this unit that's labelled "Converter"? What does it say on the unit itself, including make & model, as ST asked?
And the indicator lights, they're not physically part of this unit?

 

[Pierutrus]

Re: what is the purpose of a converter?

Converter = 120vac to 12vdc
Inverter = 12vdc to 120vac

With the land line/shore power plugged in......
Turn the battery switch/switches to off and see if your 12 vdc stuff still work.
If they do then your converter is working.
If they don't, then your converter died someway. That could be the breaker controlling it or the unit itself.
Another thought........Make sure the indicator lights on your panel aren't burnt out.

Then the other test is to disconnect from shore power, turn your batteries back on and see if your 120 vac stuff still works.
If they stop working then you either don't have an inverter or IT died someway, ie.....inline fuse to the unit?

Just thinking/my 2 cents.

 

[Hank496]

Re: what is the purpose of a converter?

"Converter" is Sea Ray speak for battery charger. When it is turned on at the main DC panel it will charge the batteries regardless of the battery switch setting. On our 2002 Sea Ray when the battery switch is off all DC accessories are off.