Forum Discussion

AH_AK's avatar
AH_AK
Explorer
Apr 12, 2022

Why solenoid?

Why do the majority of RV manufacturers use a latching solenoid for the battery disconnect (storage) as opposed to a mechanical battery disconnect switch?

Is there some other function that the solenoid is performing that an appropriately sized manual SPST switch would not?

There has to be a reason for the added complexity and cost.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Apr 13, 2022
    It is actually a Latching Relay!
    As others said it is for ease of installation.
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer II
    Apr 13, 2022
    LittleBill wrote:
    because the switch can be placed in a much better place then a mechanical.

    This ^^^^^^^^^^^^.

    With a manual disconnect switch, you have to place it between the battery and the electrical panel, making it very inconvenient to access. Using the solenoid lets you place it anywhere, and place its switch right by the door, where it is extremely convenient.
  • LittleBill's avatar
    LittleBill
    Explorer
    Apr 13, 2022
    because the switch can be placed in a much better place then a mechanical.
  • SAR_Tracker's avatar
    SAR_Tracker
    Explorer
    Apr 12, 2022
    Convenience for the non-mechanically/electrically inclined. It's like why have an auto-switchover for propane?

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