Allegro RED Owner's Manual - Tiffin Motorhomes

TIFFIN MOTORHOMES –ALLEGRO RED® Chapter 7 ELECTRICAL FEATURESGeneral InformationThere are two electrical systems in your Allegro RED motor home—these are the 12-volt DC (VDC) system and the120-volt AC (VAC) system. Most standard appliances require the 120-VAC system, while the majority of the lightingsystems used in the Allegro RED use the 12-VDC electrical system. The electrical power for the 12 VDC system issupplied by the batteries of the Allegro RED; those batteries are, in turn, charged by a power converter.The electrical power for the 120 VAC is supplied by the power cord when the Allegro RED is connected to an externalpower source or when the on-board electrical generator is in operation. If installed, the optional inverter can alsosupply 120 VAC electrical power (to limited outlets and limited appliances)—the inverter transforms the 12 VDCelectrical power from the batteries into the 120 VAC electrical power for the basic appliances.CautionFailure to turn off the 120 VAC appliances when starting or stopping the generatormay damage the transfer switch and/or electrical appliances.To connect the Allegro RED to an external source of 120 VAC electrical power, it is first recommended that all ofthe circuit breakers are in the “off” position—this is done to prevent any power surge upon connecting the motorhome to the external power source. Then unwind the power cord from the electrical compartment located in thecompartment behind the driver’s-side rear tires. The standard, flexible, power cord supplied with the Allegro RED isdesigned to handle up to either 50 amperes. Make sure that the pins in the male end of the plug are oriented correctlyso that they match the power cable, and that they are in good condition (i.e., aren’t bent or damaged).If there is a circuit breaker switch at the “plug” end of the power cord, that breaker should be turned “off” beforemaking the connection. Insert the plug into the mating outlet and then turn the circuit breaker “on.” Close and lockthe electrical compartment door to protect the contents and to keep them clean and dry. Close the cover on thepower box, if so equipped, to avoid an unintentional disconnection and to keep the contents clean and dry. Thenswitch the main breaker to the “on” position. When properly connected, the 120 VAC system provides power to allthe 120 VAC circuits and outlets when the main breaker is turned “on.”Circuit-Breaker BoxesFor the Allegro RED, the 120 VAC and 12 VDC breaker boxes (Figure 7-1) are typically located beneath therefrigerator or in the bedroom [if inside the vehicle] or in the storage box [if outside the vehicle]. The circuit breakersand associated fuses are installed to protect the electrical system of the Allegro RED from any overloads. Do notattempt to change the electrical circuitry or to add appliances yourself. Please consult an authorized Tiffin MotorhomesDealership or Tiffin Motorhomes, Incorporated in Red Bay, AL to determine whether any changes you desire areappropriate and acceptable. Tiffin Motorhomes’ qualified staff of electricians can readily determine whether anychanges sought (e.g., CB radio, amateur radio, satellite television receiver, personal computer system, and the like) arepossible or not and can advise you on how best to realize these enhancements.7-2