My new PD4045 Converter/Charger got here this afternoon so I set it up on the workbench to test it and to charge the battery. I’m concerned about the battery and need to find out if it was damaged by the short-circuit condition. I’ll charge the battery now, and see how well it holds a charge with no load, then I’ll test it under load to make sure.
Since the PD is a slightly different size than the WFCO, I’ll be making a new electrical panel door next week and will do the necessary rewiring next weekend.
The PD uses a slightly different approach to the wiring, especially the 120VAC side. I’m going to have to purchase an additional 120VAC circuit breaker for my branch circuit. The PD wants a Main breaker and a breaker for Converter power, and breakers for each branch circuit. The WFCO required a Main breaker that turned on/off the Converter and a breaker for my single branch circuit. Luckily there’s room for up to three more double circuit breakers. I don’t think my home breaker panel has 7 breakers ;-)
The PD provides twelve 12VDC circuits plus the battery charge circuit, the WFCO had four including the battery charge circuit. I could have every individual light on its own circuit, and still not use up the 12 circuits. I’ll just wire up the three existing circuits now and know I have lots of room for future expansion.