electrical systems
50
electrical systems
51
motorhome battery
It is recommended that a good quality
leisure battery is always in circuit when
the system is in use.
A deep cycling rechargeable heavy duty 12v
battery should be used to provide power for
lights and other electrical appliances.
A proprietary brand leisure battery with a 120
amp capacity is recommended.
Note: 85amp - 110 amp batteries and above
should be checked dimensionally before
purchasing, to ensure fitment within the
battery compartment, as brands vary in size.
It should be remembered that batteries suitable
for the electrical demands of a motorhome
differ in design from those for use with a car,
and whilst the system may operate with a car
battery it is strongly recommended that only a
rechargeable leisure type battery, maintained in
good condition is used. The battery should be
kept topped up at all times.
The battery should be positioned in its
compartment, which is vented to the outside,
and be properly secured before travelling.
WARnInG: When connecting the battery,
ensure that the correct polarity is observed
(black is negative and red is positive) and
that the terminals are securely fastened.
Under normal circumstances it should not be
necessary to remove the battery other than for
routine inspection of terminals and ‘topping up’.
WARnInG: Explosive gases may be present
at the battery. Take care to prevent flames
and sparks in the vicinity.
Your motorhome has been fitted with an
in-line fuse between the battery terminal and
strip connector. It is recommended that the
fuse rating fitted in this location does not
exceed 40 amps.
WARnInG: Switch off all appliances and
lamps before connecting or disconnecting
the battery.
Smoking is prohibited around the
battery compartment.
To preserve the life of your leisure battery
and charger please observe the following:
i) Do not leave all 12v lights powered at the
same time as this will drain your leisure
battery more rapidly.
ii) If all 12v lights must be powered together,
ensure the battery is ‘in-circuit’ and that
the battery charger is turned on.
iii) For optimum performance use the
transformer/charger unit with a leisure
battery attached.
Please note the auxiliary battery supplied with
your motorhome may not be fully charged and
should be charged for a minimum of 24 hours
before use.
fAULT fInDInG
1. Mains supply
If mains supply is not available when mains
switch and MCBs are switched on, check
supply at site distribution and/or mains
lead and connections.
2. Earth faults or MCB tripped
See RCD/MCD Section.
3. Charger switch fails to illuminate
Check mains supply as for No.1 and 2.
4. Battery discharged or not charging
with charger on
Check battery terminals.
5. 12V distribution circuit failure
Check and replace relevant DC output fuse
as required.
6. Consult the manufacturers regarding any
further difficulties, in particular those
related to mains voltage section.
7. There are no user-serviceable or
replacement parts in the consumer unit. All
service of this nature should be referred to
the manufacturers.
Note: Never use a mains supply lead whilst
coiled. Always uncoil the full length before
connecting to the supply and remember to
protect the cable from traffic.
SoLAR PAnEL ConnECTIon PoInT
A connection point has been included in the
motorhome electrical harness to take a 12v
supply from an aftermarket solar panel (or
similar device), to the motorhome leisure
battery. The supply is direct to this battery, and
so is not isolated / controlled by the habitation
area control panel. The solar connection point
does not provide charge to the vehicle engine /
traction battery.
The solar panel must provide a fused and
regulated output in order to connect to this
point. The connection point can be found in
close proximity to the battery box.
A kit of parts is available from your motorhome
supplier which provides the mating half of
the connection point. (The White rectangular
connector found inside the motorhome is a
two way JST-LP type connector). For further
assistance in identifying the connection, wire
colours leading to the connector are detailed
in the wiring schematic in your motorhome
specification handbook.
MAInS UnIT
This acts as the main switch for the
motorhome allowing isolation of all circuits. It
forms part of the Power System along with the
Transformer/Charger Unit (if fitted).
The mains unit replaces the conventional
fusebox. Similar, but larger ones are often
fitted in new houses.
The unit gives both overload (MCBs) and earth
leakage protection (RCD) for the electrical
supply in your motorhome.
For normal operation all switches on the unit
need to be in the ON position. The small
switches on the unit are known as MCBs
(miniature circuit breakers).
These take the place of the conventional fuse
but are more convenient.
Note: Having too many appliances switched
on at the same time will trip the MCBs. This is
a safety measure. (For appliance ratings, see
mains consumption).
In the event of a fault the MCB ‘trips’ ie
automatically moves to the OFF position.
After elimination of the fault the MCB can be
re-set by switching to the ON position, (against
the spring pressure in an upwards direction).
If an earth fault develops or a person touches a
live piece of equipment the leakage of current
to earth should immediately operate the RCD
(residual current device) and ‘trip’ the main
switch, to the OFF position.
This switch is only re-settable after elimination
of the fault. To re-set, operate the switch as
for MCBs.
Periodically the RCD should be checked by
operating the test button marked ‘T’. The unit
should immediately switch to the OFF position.
If the unit does not switch off then a qualified
electrician should be consulted.
If the unit does switch off, the test is complete
and the switch can be re-set restoring the
supply back to normal.
Add together the current ratings for
each electrical appliance you wish to use
simultaneously and ensure the total does not
exceed the relative MCB ratings. You will
find the table on page 52 a useful guide to
typical values.
Depending upon model, switches on the front
of the consumer unit can be used to switch off
230v supplies to the charger, or, space heater,
water heater and charger.
Care is needed if a Truma Ultrastore water
heater is fitted. If a 230v supply is introduced
to the water heater when that water heater
is empty, there is a possibility that the 230v
element within the appliance will overheat
and the water heater will go into a failsafe
mode. The 230v supply to the Ultrastore will
then need to be switched off, and the element
be allowed to cool, before the Ultrastore will
function again. We recommend that the switch
marked water heater is left in the off position
unless water is present in the water heater.
12V PoWER SYSTEM
Note: The connection of the battery charger
to the mains supply is in accordance with the
Regulations for Electrical Installations 16th
Edition (IEE Wiring Regulations) BS 7671:1992.