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Master switch

  • 10-12-2024 06:51PM
    #1
    MojoMaker
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,518 ✭✭✭


    There is a switch inside my older coach-built m/h that appears to translate as "Master switch" in the pic below. It's located next to the battery test dials. The pervious owner suggested I leave it in 12v position permanently, but didn't elaborate.

    Recently one of my leisure batteries has been draining unexpectedly as we are not using the m/h bar the odd drive. The second battery in the series is testing fine on the battery test panel, but I guess the lead battery (lead as in leader) has some problems as it flattens quite quickly. A decent drive brings it back up into green but the next day it will be down again.

    I've moved the vehicle closer to the house so I can run an electric hook-up into it for the first time. My question has two parts:

    1. Will the EHU automatically charge the leisure batteries?
    2. Does the "Hauptschalter/Main switch" have any bearing on question 1?

    I am assuming that the Hauptschalter/Main switch switch flipped to 12v means that gadgets onboard should draw their power from the leisure batteries, and if it was moved to the 0 position then nothing inside the van would work unless connected to EHU. Does that sound about right?

    Main switch.jpg


Comments

  • #2
    MojoMaker
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,518 ✭✭✭MojoMaker


    Bump.



  • #3
    spaceHopper
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,162 ✭✭✭spaceHopper


    I'd say that's just a 12V on off switch. What make is the panel can you find instructions for it on line?.

    There is a good chance the battery is old and has it. A new leisure battery and a top up solar panel did wonders for my small camper van.



  • #4
    MojoMaker
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,518 ✭✭✭MojoMaker


    Potentially yes, I'm having that battery tested now. There are two in series together, both cheap 95ah AGM units, unsure how old but don't seem that old to be honest.

    So the 12v on/off switch gives access to the 12v supply for internal appliances? if it was set to 0 then lights, pump etc would only work on EHU?



  • #5
    RiderOnTheStorm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,201 ✭✭✭RiderOnTheStorm


    I think you are right Mojo …. the master switch is just for 12v. The EHU will still charge the battery (and power the 3 pin plugs) regardless of the position of the 12v switch.



  • #6
    MojoMaker
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,518 ✭✭✭MojoMaker


    So I learned a bit about the M/H today, and it has answered some of my questions.

    I don't have a failing leisure battery, I have a weak starter battery (due to not being driven much recently).

    I learned that the switch between I and II on the panel in the pic below shows battery health for starter battery (I) and then both leisure batteries in series together (II). The status of II is green and in good shape. The status of I is quite low, but it is still strong enough to crank the engine and it does top up fine during a long drive. The challenge has been that a couple of days after a decent drive it will have dropped back into the dodgy zone so I think it warrants a replacement at this stage.

    Tec1.jpg


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