Converter Fan runs all the time.

[craziecritte]

We have a 2000 GulfStream Innsbruck that we have had a couple of weeks. In the circuit breaker box (converter box) the fan runs all the time when we are plugged into 110v at home. Is the fan suppose to run all the time? It is a Centurion 3400 - CS4500 Switching Power Converter. We have the owners manual on the converter box but it doesn't say anything about the fan running all the time. It has been really hot here in N.C. but the past 2 days it is much cooler so we are wondering why the fan is still running.

[John Hilley]

It may be that the fan runs all the time. If not the two things that would determine whether or not it would run are ambient temperature and load. Ambient temperature would be affected by air flow in the compartment that the converter is in. It is better that it run all the time than not come on at all. Load could be affected by the charge state of the house batteries. If it is continuously charging then it would be hot and require the fan.

[Clay L]

I have to vacuum the air intake on mine at least once a year. We have two dogs and a cat and the intake gets clogged with hair causing the fan to run a lot.

[wa8yxm]

The fan is controlled by a thermostat in most converters.. (NOTE: No reason not to let it run 24x7 but most do not)

If the fan is controlled by a T-Stat then either the converter is too hot due to poor ventilation, due to dust and "Fuzz" build up inside the converter (Blow it out with compressed air), due to the area around it being too hot or.. And this is the biggee.. Due to the converter being in overload status due to either a short circuit, a failed component inside the converter, too much "Stuff" added to the rig or a shorted cell in the battery.

I gave that list in no particular order... The batter is suspect #1 on the list though