Connected to power with batteries disconnected??

[cpd520]

Adding batteries and solar panels to our new to us 2004 Itasca Suncruiser. It is much more sophisticated than our little TT. Never had an inverter or power management system before.

Want to leave it plugged in for heat while we do the install. Any reason this would cause a problem? Seems like it should not be a problem, but wouldn't want to damage the converter, inverter or PMS.

[BFL13]

Tell us more about the way you wired up the three 140s and what solar controller you got. That way, we can tell you everything you did wrong now you have already done it 🙂

Must be tough having to go to Q when you already live in Arizona. Kind of like camping up-Island here. A change is as good as a rest!

[cpd520]

Well, 3 - 140 W panels are mounted. wires from the panels run to the controller box location. Two new (4 total)batteries installed and wires run to controller box location. Tomorrow we hook it up. The Quartzsite next week for a shake down trip.

[wa8yxm]

I would feed the solar DIRECTLY to the batteries bypassing the Disconnect (or better yet installing a special disconnect, even if it is the wrench and labeled wire type (You remove the charge line from the battery when you wish to disconnect it).

Use a good charge controller on the solar. A good 3-stage converter .. Well I've accidentally disconnected my batteries on occasion and not even my TS-2000 (Ham Rig) can tell that the batteries are missing (Progressive Dynamics 9180 with wizard). But with a good 3-stage converter it is not needed to disconnect the batteries.. My U-2200's lasted over 8 years (Normal life 7-10 years) even though Ive run 'em way way down a few times (more than I'd like to admit) over those years.. Gone a bit too long without checking the fluid level a few times (Never let 'em get completely dry though, just slightly below the top of the plates) and otherwise abused them.

I really like that PDI Charge wizard. he's .. Well.. a Wizard at charging batteries.

[cpd520]

Thanks all. Just double checked the weather and it won't be that cold. 28-30 at night and about 60 during the day. I will just unplug and run a couple heaters. Thanks for all the info.

Should be running on solar in a couple weeks for our trip to Quartzsite.

[westend]

If you install a disconnect between the solar panel(s) and the charge controller (not a bad idea since you may want to power off the solar at some future time), you can have the disconnect "off" and finish the install.

I used one of these Manual Hi-amp circuit breakers to offer disconnection. I believe mine is a 25 amp.

[sch911]

Even though some converters can handle it, IMHO it's not a good idea to leave the battery out of the system.

[RoyB]

You can always plug in a couple of oil filled portable electric heaters from an extension cord running from your shore power connection for heat...

Roy Ken

[MrWizard]

what make model converter/charger

some can be used with NO batteries, some recommend batteries always be connected

SOlar
batteries must be connected to controller, BEFORE panels are connected to the controller

many controllers 'auto sense' battery system voltage
connecting panels first can spike the controller and damage it

NOTHING needs to be disconnected before installing solar

in fact i would do the opposite of what you intend
i would unhook from shore power, while doing the install and leave the batteries connected and powering the RV

nothing will shake up your day, like putting a screw thru a HOT 120v wire routed thru the ceiling, or re-connecting A powered hot charge/converter while doing 12v wires

[BFL13]

No problem running the rig on a switch-mode (see above post)converter with no battery connected for 12v, but the solar controller needs to be hooked up to the batteries first, then to the array side, so watch your sequence when putting it all back together.

[Clay_L]

It depends on the converter you have. If it is a Magnatek/Paralax 6300 series it requires the batteries to be connected. If you have a battery disconnect switch you have the 7300 series and it is okay to operate the converter without a battery load.
Winnebago has used both series in different models over the years.