Forum Discussion

Explorer

Nov 27, 2013

12volt DC vs 120volt AC question

I'm new to this RV stuff so bear with me and what is probably a very elementary basic question.

I have many lights in my interior coach that are 12volt DC fixtures. I know when the coach is turned off and not connected to shore power or the generator running, then the lights are working off of my batteries.

But if I have the generator on or am connected to shore power does the battery still get used to power these lights? In other words am I still putting a drain on the battery or does something switch over when it senses the 120volt AC and the battery is temporarily cut out of the loop?

Class A

13 Replies

BigSkyBob
Explorer
Nov 27, 2013
When you are connected to shore power or the generator is running either one will charge the batteries through the convertor. Even though the convertor changes 120VAC to 12VDC the power for the lights still originates at the batteries.
Matt_Colie
Explorer II
Nov 27, 2013
Barry,

This is somewhat coach specific, but with a look at your profile, my guess would be that the coach has a good converter to keep the house bank charged and as that is what powers the house lights. So the battery is not actually out of the loop (it could be), but it is not actually being used to support any loads.

Matt
2oldman
Explorer II
Nov 27, 2013
When on shore your converter is charging the battery. It's still in the loop.