New roof airs for an FC, opinions and info wanted

[biobug]

The "kit" is installed. The Dometic order number is # 3316234.700. . It had no wiring instructions but online there was all the wiring schematics needed EXCEPT that the old system did not use 12 volts. The only thing left is to run a 12 volt hot line to the thermostat or the roof AC box wiring. I plan on running a line from the rear 12 volt panel thru the roof ducting tomorrow. It does not pull much amperage but I would rather run to from the 12 volt rear supply rather than jumping/splicing into a 12 volt light wire closer to the tstat. I gutted the old control box to use for the new much smaller box. While it was apart I bought some heavy steel screen to cage the ceiling ducts. I am sure mice have been using the ducting to get into the cabinets so since we have not had any here in Arizona it will be ready when we get back to Oregon,,,(if we can!) Plug and Play my @$$!

[biobug]

Running the 12 volts to the new controller was fun but doable. I ran it from the 12 volt panel in the rear of the bus around the wire race to where the ac ducting is and then drilled and ran the 12 volt power wire up duct to the control box. My only real issue was thinking (as usual) that the 120 volt ground to the control box would ground the 12 volt system. It does not so splicing in a ground wire to the Tstat ground brought it to life. There is quite a delay before the AC reacts to the command so it did not seem to be working but in 20 seconds or so it did kick on. Of course a few times I had forgot turning off the AC at the dash while wiring . It works better with the switch on.

[nbedinger]

Originally Posted by biobug

[...]20 seconds or so it did kick on.

that’s long enough delay to be a practical joke

[mahansm]

My upgraded system (10 button Dometic) has the same delay.


Always remember the first two laws of electrical engineering:


1. It works better if you plug it in.


2. It works better if you turn it on.


Steve