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RobWNY's avatar
RobWNY
Explorer
Jun 23, 2016

Question about Battery Drain

I recently bought a Macerator to empty my holding tanks at home. It utilizes 12V power. I made some connections to reach the rear gray water tank and it works great but I was wondering if I can leave this attached to the battery terminals and just tuck it in the battery compartment when not in use rather than having to hook it up every time I'm going to empty the tanks. Will it draw on the battery or only when hooked up and connected to the Macerator?

  • tvman44's avatar
    tvman44
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2016
    You will not have any problem, will only draw current when the pump is switched on. :)
  • red31's avatar
    red31
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2016
    weather cap

    https://www.amazon.com/MotoBatt-MBRTC-2-Pin-Replacement-Weather/dp/B006B7M5U4
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2016
    RobWNY wrote:
    I recently bought a Macerator to empty my holding tanks at home. It utilizes 12V power. I made some connections to reach the rear gray water tank ...


    Judging from your pic you know how to solder and make proper use of shrink wrap so with those skills why not install a 12 vdc connector near the waste gates and wire to it from the battery. That way all you'll have to do to use your macerator is plug it in - just as I do. I chose a 7-pin Bargman connector as it's readily available at minor cost ... wire a matching Bargman to the FloJet and you're all set. :B

  • rk911's avatar
    rk911
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2016
    KD4UPL wrote:
    It's just a wire. It won't drain your battery. \
    BUT, I would strongly recommend you add an inline fuse. Otherwise a short, possibly across the exposed end terminals, could start a fire.

    the OP should be able to get a 12-v inline fuse holder at home depot, lowes, etc.
  • RobWNY's avatar
    RobWNY
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2016
    I checked our Local Hone Depot and Lowes. All they had was the inline fuse that's the glass cylinder type. I wanted the blade type because I have a ton of those on hand in the camper.
  • rk911's avatar
    rk911
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2016
    RobWNY wrote:
    Thanks, I plan on adding an inline fuse. I Ordered one on Amazon and I'm told it will arrive between July 14th and August 1st. Coming by a very slow boat from China. In the meantime, I'll just attach it to the posts when I need to use it and unhook it when not in use.

    you should be able to get an inline fuse holder at home depot, lowes, etc.
  • tenbear's avatar
    tenbear
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2016
    As long as the macerator is turned off when not being used there should be no current drain.

    As KD4UPL said, it should be fused close to the positive terminal.
  • RobWNY's avatar
    RobWNY
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2016
    Thanks, I plan on adding an inline fuse. I Ordered one on Amazon and I'm told it will arrive between July 14th and August 1st. Coming by a very slow boat from China. In the meantime, I'll just attach it to the posts when I need to use it and unhook it when not in use.
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2016
    It's just a wire. It won't drain your battery. \
    BUT, I would strongly recommend you add an inline fuse. Otherwise a short, possibly across the exposed end terminals, could start a fire.

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