battery charging button

by IMP Fri Jul 03, 2020 7:08 am

Forgive what may be a daft question - to those who "understand" motorhome electrics!

I leave our van on mains hook up, through a timer, which is set for just one hour overnight this time of year. I have read in the handbook that you are advised to turn off the battery charger - green - button while you connect the mains lead.Obviously this is not happening. Is it likely to cause me problems or damage the Sargent unit in some way by not doing so?

by Caraman Fri Jul 03, 2020 7:23 am

I use an external wall socket so don't have space to fit a timer. Whilst there are technical reasons why you should go through the procedure described in the AS Handbook every time you connect to an EHU, I don't know anyone who does. I discussed it with Marquis who didn't think it was necessary but they are not exactly an authority on it.

by Dbvwt Fri Jul 03, 2020 8:44 am

I never even knew there was a correct procedure so obviously have never done so!
If you are worried about 7 one hour on/off cycles in a week (I think that is how your timer is set) why not just have one single longer cycle set one day a week.
That’s what I and others do. Even in winter, that is enough to keep both batteries charged.

by Kdc Fri Jul 03, 2020 10:44 am

I have never turned off charger before connecting to mains and no problems to date. I would be happy to do so if someone’s able to convince me why.
My van is connected to mains on a timer during out of season duller weather (solar panel maintains batteries in summer whilst sat on drive) and I have timer set for one 24hr period per week. I consider this preferable to frequent short doses as it allows the battery to reach float charge level,hence full, which I doubt will happen in frequent 1hr slots on a smart charger.

by Caraman Fri Jul 03, 2020 11:19 am

What's written in the 2018 AS User Handbook relates to pre-EC700. The EC700 is covered in the Harmony Handbook which explains s on page 07:

Prior to connection to the mains, switch off the PSU and charger. After connection, check the RCD operation, check the miniature circuit breakers, turn on the PSU, turn on the charger and finally check for reverse polarity.

I don't do any of the above but I believe there are technical reasons why you should.

by pstallwood Fri Jul 03, 2020 12:34 pm

I have never done it either.

by malc45 Fri Jul 03, 2020 5:13 pm

I phoned Sargent up last year about using a timer to connect to a 240 volt supply with the charger left in the on position
and they said it would do no harm.
Malc.

by IMP Sat Jul 04, 2020 7:42 am

Thanks to all for replies.

It is reassuring to know that Sargent have stated that this will cause no problems.

battery charging button

battery charging button

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