Should batteries be disconnected when on shore power?

Cinder296 wrote:
I have a 1998 American Eagle motor home. My batteries won't charge while plugged in off shore power. So not sure if inverter or converter- all in one unit. How can I test it to see which one is bad?

Most are fairly basic. 120vac in, 13.5vdc out. Need to put the voltmeter right on the output wires. Then verify power in is correct.

Would also help to know what the device is. OK to remove and bench test.

(you might get more answers by starting a new thread)

I have a 1998 American Eagle motor home. My batteries won't charge while plugged in off shore power. So not sure if inverter or converter- all in one unit. How can I test it to see which one is bad?

You should know the Mfg installed disconnect switch
Does not disconnect the batteries from the converter
It disconnects the dc fuse panel from the batteries
Some devices such as CO detector or LP detector are usually Not disconnected
By this switch

Using this switch when on hookups will turn off your lights and fridge
Not disconnect the battery from converter

My units have battery disconnect switches. I disconnect when the trailers are parked not being used.

Thanks for the replies re: disconnecting or not while connected to shore power/camping.

06Fargo wrote:
I'm thinking I like batteries connected when running furnace motor loads...but maybe disconnect in warm weather when 12v loads are light :h

No. Leave the battery connected.

There is absolutely no reason to disconnect the batteries WHILE CAMPING.

06Fargo wrote:
The unit is a PD 9200 Series with Charge Wizard. I'm not sure of the output watts. The instruction manual states:

"The INTELI-POWER 9200 series of converters are primarily desinged for use with a battery, however, the output of the INTELI-POWER 9200 converters are a regulated, filtered D.C. voltage that can power sensitive electronics without the need for a battery or other filtering."

I'm thinking I like batteries connected when running furnace motor loads...but maybe disconnect in warm weather when 12v loads are light :h

With a 9200 you can leave the batteries connected 24/7/365 with no issues.

Also with a 9200 you can disconnect the battery if for some reason you think it is necessary. Except for service it is not necessary.

The furnace at 8 to 15 amps is a light load at only about 25% of the 9200 rating. If you have a hydraulic slide would be the only thing I can think of that could have a high enough draw to strain the converter.

06Fargo wrote:

I'm thinking I like batteries connected when running furnace motor loads...but maybe disconnect in warm weather when 12v loads are light :h

The fact that you have a "charge wizzard" means that you are just wasting time messing with it.

And every time you disconnect/reconnect something there is always a chance that you will drop a wrench and screw something up.

And for whomever it was that is trying to explain the difference between a battery charger and a power supply......there really isn't any difference when using those broad generic terms.

Any power supply can be used as a battery charger......and any battery charger can be used as a power supply......in some circumstances.

MrWizard wrote:
To the OP
Think of this
Your camping at some campground, you got hookups you disconnect the battery
Your asleep and the power goes out, wind, car crash, thunder storm, doesn't matter, no power,
Well no battery means no fridge, no heater, no lights
You don't know it until you wake up
Then you have to go outside? And connect your battery

And any of these I always disconnect my battery people have been dann lucky if they have not run into this situation

Any extra battery life days/weeks I might gain by doing this are not worth, going out in the weather at 3am to hook them up
Or
In the middle of the afternoon either

The batteries are supposed to be connected, the batteries are your power, the converter is there to keep them charged, not substitute for the batteries

Good points Wizard, but losing lights and refrigerator is nothing compared to losing the Propane and Carbon Monoxide monitors. Those can kill you.

06Fargo wrote:
The unit is a PD 9200 Series with Charge Wizard. I'm not sure of the output watts. The instruction manual states:

"The INTELI-POWER 9200 series of converters are primarily desinged for use with a battery, however, the output of the INTELI-POWER 9200 converters are a regulated, filtered D.C. voltage that can power sensitive electronics without the need for a battery or other filtering."

I'm thinking I like batteries connected when running furnace motor loads...but maybe disconnect in warm weather when 12v loads are light :h

Somebody actually read their manual instead of depending on a bunch of Internet "Experts".

I believe this whole idea of disconnecting batteries is in deed coming from memories of yesteryears fixed voltages converters, that really would over charge batteries in hot weather.
To the OP, if you have a 9200 series converter, you do not have to check the water once a month, or even twice a month, probably not even 3-4 months, trust me ! To be safe, try every 4-6 months for 12v batteries, even longer for 6v. But in reality, you'll probably give them a little water once a year.