Stock WFCO converter/charger question

[Mo_Mike]

I know there is no love lost on the forums for the WFCO stock converter/charger, but hadn't really had any issues with the one in our VEGAS.

It has went to 13.6-13.7 volts when the batteries have been used (still above 12 v), then reduces to maintenance after the batteries have been charged (13.1-13.2 volts)

I know this should be proper operation. However, today, I was doing some work in the coach with shore power and air conditioning running (along with radio and overhead lights on)

The last time I looked at the voltage of the chassis and coach they were both still holding at the maintenance charge level of 13.1-13.0..

While I was working, I checked the voltage meters and the batteries were now charging at 14.5-14.6 which should be "bulk" level.

I understand that "bulk" level should kick in when the batteries are at around 11.8 volts, but without shore power, mine were holding at about 13.3-13.4

Any ideas what could have kicked in the converter to "bulk" mode? I have never noticed this happening before, but could have missed it. I keep the coach on shore power most of the time when it is here at the house...

[Beau388]

WFCO converter is also temperature compensated (lower voltage at higher temperatures). The temperature pickup is in the converter and not at the battery box as in a more expensive system. The voltage was low because the converter compartment was hot. As converter compartment cooled-down, the converter sensed the batteries were discharged enough to kick over to bulk charging. That my arm chair analysts from a great distance.

[16ACE27]

I don't think the converter senses voltage as much as it does current draw. So although it was at 13.1 volts, when you loaded it down with lights, radio, etc and caused current draw to go up it probably shifted to bulk mode believing the current draw was due to the battery requiring charging.

[Mo_Mike]

Originally Posted by Tfryman

I don't think the converter senses voltage as much as it does current draw. So although it was at 13.1 volts, when you loaded it down with lights, radio, etc and caused current draw to go up it probably shifted to bulk mode believing the current draw was due to the battery requiring charging.

That DOES make sense... I had just never seen the voltage from the WFCO go into bulk mode while the voltage was still reading up there...

Just when you think you are understanding things you get another "head scratcher"

Thanks!