I've learned on this forum to plug my extension cord into the trailer before plugging the other end into the wall outlet, like when I'm in my driveway . (to avoid arching) Makes sense, and doing it that way is now just habit. Next question: Does it matter when you turn the battery disconnect switch back to the "ON" position in this scenario? Never really even thought about it till this morning when I was plugging in to cool the frig for Friday's trip.

salem wrote:Does it matter when you turn the battery disconnect switch back to the "ON" position in this scenario?The only way "arcing" can occur when you plug a cable into any source feed is if there's a load on the circuit - i.e. no load = no arc. Ideally everything should be off when you plug in but in reality there often is some load, so if your battery is connected to the converter the latter will instantly see the former as a load and depending on it's state of charge may present a significant load on the system. Ideally you would turn your battery disconnect switch to the off position before plugging in to avoid this but I'd bet most don't. Since I use an EMS to protect the trailer's electrical system this entire point is moot as the EMS won't pass on power to the trailer anyway until it's predetermined delay time, either 15" or 136", has passed.

All big loads should be off when plugging in. Arcs = not good.

Thanks Soundguy and 2oldman, as mentioned, I had never even considered it before this morning, but have made a habit of turning the battery switch to the "on" position after I plug in the extension cord. Good to know I've been doing it the right way, and why. I've learned loads on this forum, thanks again.

1. Turn off breaker on pedestal when either plugging in or unplugging RV, and it won't matter what order you do the power cord.2. I never use my battery disconnect switch. I leave it powered all of the time with my Progressive Dynamics PD4655V converter/charger charging my AGM batteries 24/7/365. (I installed a 50/30/20GFCI pedestal at home.) But I always practice #1.

The battery disconnect has NOTHING to do with your 120 system or extension cord. It is just a 12 volt relay. Doug

Electrical Question | Good Sam Community

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SoundGuy
Explorer
Jul 04, 2018
salem wrote:
Does it matter when you turn the battery disconnect switch back to the "ON" position in this scenario?

The only way "arcing" can occur when you plug a cable into any source feed is if there's a load on the circuit - i.e. no load = no arc. Ideally everything should be off when you plug in but in reality there often is some load, so if your battery is connected to the converter the latter will instantly see the former as a load and depending on it's state of charge may present a significant load on the system. Ideally you would turn your battery disconnect switch to the off position before plugging in to avoid this but I'd bet most don't. Since I use an EMS to protect the trailer's electrical system this entire point is moot as the EMS won't pass on power to the trailer anyway until it's predetermined delay time, either 15" or 136", has passed.

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