Installation/Operator Manual

For use with WFCO ULTRA III Power Center

Model WF-8712P and WF-8725P

TM

Distributed in the U.S.A. and Canada by

CHENG USA, INC.
Sales (574) 294-8997
Warranty Service (877) 294-8997
Fax (574) 294-8698
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OEM Installation of the WFCO WF-8712 and WF-8725

Power Center

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Select a mounting location near the shore power and battery (batteries)
and cut a rough opening 1/8? wider than the box to allow the power
center to slide in easily.

Do not install close to appliances that are a source of heat or water

(such as water heaters, furnaces, and under refrigerators). It is not
designed for mounting in wet locations. It must be protected
from direct contact with water.
! WARNING !

This unit employs components that tend to produce arcs or sparks.

To prevent fire or explosion, do not install in compartments
containing batteries or flammable materials (LP gas).
! CAUTION !

To prevent fire, do not cover or obstruct ventilation openings.

Do not mount in zero-clearance compartment.
Overheating may result.
For continued protection against risk of fire, or electric shock
replace only with same type and ratings of fuse.

The fuse rating that the manufacturer suggests for the output fuses
will be marked on the unit. Replace only with same type and rating.

During the manufacturing process, be sure that all converter openings are
protected from debris falling into the unit. (This is a non-warranty item.)

NOTE: If the reverse battery protection fuses are blown during

installation, be sure that the battery has been connected properly, then
replace the fuses with ATC “Littelfuse®” Type 257 with the same rating as
1 the original.
 TOP VIEW TM TM General Consumer Information
Reverse Battery Protection
This feature prevents permanent damage to the converter from an
incorrect battery connection.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Automatic Cooling Fan (on the 8725 only)

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
5 1/8”
The fan automatically turns ON to cool the unit after 4-8 Adc.

Electronic Current Limiting

Automatically shuts down power during overload or short-circuit conditions.
Automatically returns to normal operation after conditions are corrected.
11 15/16?
DC Fuses
- Four 12 Vdc circuits (including one battery circuit)
- Maximum of 25 Adc fuse for DC circuits 1 through 4
DC OUTPUT REAR VIEW - Reverse battery protection fuse: replace only with
120VAC IN
ATC “Littelfuse®” Type 257 fuse

Circuit Breakers

2 1/8 ?
- One 30 Aac “Main circuit” and max. of three 20 Aac “Branch circuits”
®
UL-Listed Main Circuit Breakers, rated for 120 Vac, maximum 25 Aac
GROUND WIRE HOLE Acceptable circuit breakers are as follows:
Manufacturer Model/Cat. No./Type
6 1/16 ?

7 3/16? Cutler Hammer Type BR and C

Thomas Betts Type TB or TBBD
ITE/Siemens Type QP or QT
Square D Type HOM or HOMT
Murray Type MP-T or MH-T
1 7/8 ?

®
UL-Listed Branch Circuit Breakers, rated for 120 Vac, maximum 20 Aac
Acceptable circuit breakers are as follows:
Manufacturer Model/Cat. No./Type
BOTTOM VIEW Cutler Hammer Type BR and C, Type BRD BD and A
11 15/16”
Thomas Betts Type TB and TBBD
ITE/Siemens Type QP or QT
Square D Type HOM and HOMT
Murray Type MH-T or MP-T
2 3 - A replacement or additional circuit breaker shall be of the same manufacturer,
4 1/8 ?

type designation, and equal or greater interrupting rating, not to exceed 20 A.

- “Short-Circuit-Current” rating for the breaker should be 10,000 A.
Breaker Filler Plates:
Manufacturer Model/Cat. No./Type
10 7/16 ? WFCO FP-01 or FP-01B
(Figure. 1)
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CHASSIS GROUND WIRE

AC GROUND TERMINAL BAR
Converter Operation Modes

GREEN WIRE (FROM CONVERTER) 1.97? All WFCO power converters are automatic three-stage switching
GROUND WIRE BLACK WIRE (FROM CONVERTER) power supplies. The converter senses which mode it needs to be in by

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

OPERATIONAL FEATURES
HOT WIRE
WHITE WIRE (FROM CONVERTER) checking the RV system voltage.
NEUTRAL WIRE BATTERY
CIRCUIT
RED WIRE

MAIN BREAKER
1
2
The three modes/stages of operation include:
RETAINING
CLIP TO MAIN BLACK WIRE 3
8.07?
Absorption mode/Normal operation
(TO AC SHORE - HOT)
BREAKER HOLD
DOWN
ON
4
Nominal battery charge and supplies power to appliances
30 15

MAIN BREAKER
OFF AC NEUTRAL TERMINAL BAR FUSE
Bulk mode/Charge mode
Fast battery charge and supplies power to appliances
REVERSE BATTERY
PROTECTION FUSE Float mode/Trickle charge
AVAILABLE FOR BRANCH CIRCUIT Trickle battery charge during storage
PIGTAIL TO BRANCH CIRCUIT
1.77?

CONNECTED TO BRANCH CIRCUIT

Absorption Mode: During this mode, the converter output is in the
13.6 Vdc range. This is the normal operation mode. This mode
provides the 12 Vdc and current required by the 12 Vdc RV appliances,
as well as slow charging the battery.

Bulk Mode: When the converter senses that the RV system voltage is
less than 13.2 Vdc (equivalent to less than 50% of battery charge), the
converter will automatically go into the “Bulk mode.” In this mode, the
output voltage of the converter will switch to 14.4 Vdc for a maximum
of four hours. If the converter cycles between “Absorption and Bulk
DOOR (PART OF THE DOOR ASSEMBLY)
DOOR
mode,” there could be a shorted battery cell or other issues.
(Figure. 2)
For proper wire sizes and torque requirements, refer to the label on the If the output voltage drops below 13.2 Vdc, the converter automatically
door assembly. changes to a “Bulk mode” 14.4 Vdc (unless the converter is in overload
condition). There are two signs of an overloaded converter:
Low output voltage, and full converter fold back or shutdown. In both
cases, the converter will automatically turn ON, once the complete load
is removed. For low output condition, removing the extra (over the
current rating) load will be sufficient. If it is impractical to remove all
the load, resetting the main breaker will have the same effect.

4 5 Float Mode: If the RV is not being used for approximately 48 hours,

with a “no load” condition and the shore power is plugged in, the
converter will automatically go into the “Float mode.” In this mode,
the converter is charging the battery with a trickle voltage of 13.2 Vdc.
When the converter senses a demand (by turning on lights), the
converter automatically returns to the “Absorption mode” 13.6 Vdc.
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Troubleshooting

Before checking the converter output voltage, it is necessary to disconnect the GENERAL COMPLIANCE INFORMATION
battery terminal wires. Cap each wire or wrap with electrical tape. Make sure

TROUBLESHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS
® ®

COMPLIANCE
the converter is plugged into 30A, 105-130 Vac source. Check the converter The WF-8700 Series units are UL-Listed, and cUL-Listed (Canadian).
output voltage with a voltmeter. On the back of the unit, place the probe on the They comply with FCC Class B requirement (see below).
White negative output wire and then place the test probe on each fuse on the
output. Be sure you have good connections at the fuse holders. If the voltage FCC Compliance Class B
reads 13.6 Vdc (+/-.2), the converter is functioning properly.
WF-8712/8725 NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
BATTERY
CIRCUIT,
RED WIRE
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
F1

frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
2 1

WF-8712(8725)
F2

instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio

3

F3
4

ON
F4

OFF
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is
+VCC
BREAKER

FUSE

likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be

required to correct the interference at his own expense.
ATC style
“Littelfuse®” Type 257 fuse
(Figure. 3)

IMPORTANT:
If the reverse polarity fuse is blown, it means the RV battery was accidentally
connected in reverse, either at the battery or at the converter. Connect the
battery properly and then replace with ATC “Littelfuse®“ Type 257 fuse.

Reverse battery protection fuse protects the converter from damage in the
event the RV battery cables are accidentally connected in reverse. A reverse
battery condition for even a second is the only way this fuse will blow.

If the converter output voltage reads in the 13.6 Vdc range, and the battery is
not charging, check for:
- an open inline fuse in the battery wire (if provided)
- an open wire between the converter and the RV battery
- loose ground
- improper torques
6 7
If the converter fuses and AC voltage are good, but the converter output still
reads zero volts, the converter is not functioning properly.
Contact Cheng USA, Inc. Tech Support at 1 (877) 294-8997.
 TM

TM

Consumer Limited Warranty

for

LIMITED WARRANTY
WFCO Electronic Products
WFCO extends to the original owner a Two-Year Limited Product Warranty.
This Warranty is in effect from the date of original purchase for a period of two
(2) years. This Limited Warranty is extended specifically for and is limited to
recreational vehicle application and is valid only within the continental United
States, Alaska, Hawaii and the provinces of Canada. WFCO warrants to the
owner that its products are free from defects in material and workmanship
under normal use and service, based on its intended use and function. This
Warranty is limited to the repair or replacement, at WFCO' s discretion, of any
defective parts or defective assembly. Any implied warranties of merchantability
or fitness for intended use are limited in duration unless applicable State Law
provides otherwise. You may have other rights as specified by each individual
state.

EXCLUSIONS and LIMITATIONS

The OEM Warranty specifically does not apply to the following:
Any WFCO product that has been repaired or altered by any unauthorized
person. Any damage caused by misuse, faulty installation, testing, negligence
or accident or any WFCO product installed in a commercial vehicle.
Any WFCO product whose serial number has been defaced, altered or removed.
Any WFCO product whose installation has not been in accordance with the
WFCO written instruction. Any consequential damages arising from the loss of
use of the product including, but not limited to, inconvenience, loss of service,
loss of revenue, loss or damage to personal property and cost of all services
performed in removing or replacing the WFCO product. Specifications are
subject to change without notice or obligation.

CONSUMER WARRANTY CLAIM PROCEDURE

Upon determination and validation by an authorized OEM dealer that a WFCO
product has a defect, the dealer shall contact the WFCO warranty service
number (877) 294-8997 and obtain a return goods authorization (RGA) number.
This number shall appear on all correspondence with warranty service. Upon
validation of the warranty, WFCO shall replace or repair the product with a like
product. The RGA number shall be placed on the outside of the carton used to
8
return the product, for ease of identification. Do not mark directly on the
product. The product must be packaged properly to avoid further damage to
the product, which could cause a non-warrantable condition.

CD-M-00007-4