Generator Usage
Leisure Battery
Battery Charger
Caution should be used before connecting a generator to your motorhome.
WARNING
Never start or stop the generator while electrical loads are connected and
switched on. Start the engine, let it stabilise and then connect the electrical
load. When stopping the generator, disconnect the electrical load and let
engine stabilise before switching off.
WARNING
Under heavy loads the Battery Charger case may become hot. ALWAYS ensure
the ventilation slotshave a clear flow of air. Do not place combustible materials
against / adjacent to the charger.
WARNING
Explosive gases may be present at the battery. Take care to prevent flames
and sparks in the vicinity of the battery and do not smoke.
Whilst some generators use electronic inverter technology, others use a more basic
principle to generate the 230V supply. Preference should be to choose a generator
which produces a consistent sinusoidal wave form with accurate voltage control.
The Reverse Polarity warning light on the PSU may illuminate when using a Generator.
This is a normal side effect when using some types of generator. Instead of connecting
the neutral conductor to earth, some generators centre tap the earth connection
making both neutral and live conductors 110V above earth. This 110V difference causes
the neon polarity indicator to illuminate.
In most cases it is safe to use a generator, but please consult the generator handbook
for further information.
A) Type / Selection
For optimum performance and safety it is essential that only a proprietary brand
LEISURE battery is used and it is suggested to select a battery from the NCC Verified
Battery Scheme with a typical capacity of 75 to 120 Ah (Ampere / hours). Depending
on the prospective use of the vehicle the correct type should be selected (A, B or C).
A normal car battery is NOT suitable. This battery should always be connected when
the system is in use.
The PSU is configured to work with standard lead acid leisure batteries, and in most
cases is also compatible with the latest range of Absorbed Glass Matt (AGM) batteries.
The system is also suitable for Lithium batteries with built-in Battery Management
Systems BMS). Before fitting non-standard batteries please check that the charging
profile described in 3.3 is suitable for the type of battery by referring to the battery
documentation or battery manufacturer.
Some vehicle installations can cater for two leisure batteries connected in parallel. In
these cases it is recommended that two identical batteries are used.
The battery feed is fitted with an in-line fuse between the battery and the electrical
harness, and is usually located immediately outside the battery compartment or
within 500mm of the battery. The maximum rating of this fuse is 20A per battery. If a
single battery is fitted to a motorhome, this fuse could be up to 40A, however if two
batteries are fitted each battery should be fused at a maximum of 20A.
B) Installation & Removal
Always disconnect the 230V mains supply and turn the PSU green charger switch to
the off position (button out) before removing or installing the battery.
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.
Crocodile clips must not be used.
The system incorporates an intelligent three-stage battery charger.
During stage 1 the battery voltage is increased gradually while the current is limited to start
the charging process and protect the battery. At stage 2 the voltage rises to 14.4V to deliver
the bulk charge to the battery. When the battery is charged, the voltage is decreased at stage
3 to 13.6V to deliver a float charge to maintain the battery in the fully charged state. The
charger can be left switched on continuously as required.
The battery charger / power converter also provides power to the leisure equipment when
the mains supply is connected. This module supplies DC to the leisure equipment up to a
maximum of 25 Amps (300 Watts), therefore the available power is distributed between the
leisure load and the battery, with the leisure load taking priority as per the following example:
Leisure load
Available power
for battery
charging
5A
20A
10A
15A
15A
10A
20A
5A
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Harmony - Technical Data
Harmony - Technical Data
19
www.auto-sleepers.co.uk/harmony
