What is this on my batteries (and second question)

[Moffittclan]

I was replacing my house batteries on my "new to me" 2003 Damon Escaper and this was mounted on top of it...what is it? I haven't had time to trace the wire back, but thought it might be common and someone would know.




Second question: Where would I find the battery isolation solenoid on this rig? My house batteries don't seem to be charging while driving down the road...I drove about 6 hours today and had the satellite on the whole time and the TV part of the time...when I stopped my panel read 11v instead of 12v...I think it should have kept charged, right? I've read that the solenoid is a common failure point.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Interpretation of battery meter colored LEDs

GREEN: Battery Not Destroyed

YELLOW: Battery Is Being Destroyed

RED: Battery Ready To Serve As Core Turn-In

[Gjac]

Do you have an inverter? That breaker might be for it.

[dons2346]

For sure that is not a factory install. You need to spend a little time looking for something that wasn't a factory install and that will most likely be what the breaker powers. Look for a stereo, radio, TV, small inverter, etc.

[mlts22]

I can't think of any worse place to install a circuit breaker. If it does get corroded, it may not trip in the case of a dead short, or it might trip and not be able to be reset.

One reason I went with catastrophic fuses is that I've never read about anyone installing a circuit breaker on the batteries. A circuit breaker in a more protected location, definitely. However, right by the batteries, the only thing that I see people use are fuses.

[wolfe10]

rjxj wrote:
That is about the last place that you want to place the circuit breaker. It's a vented battery so the circuit breaker is sitting right where it can get maximum corrosion exposure. The circuit breaker is most likely not explosion proof rated so in theory it's an ignition source when the battery is gassing. It most likely would never be a problem but again, it's about the worst place to install it.

If the previous owner did that poor of an install I would look at the circuit and see what is needed to properly carry the current. Go over any wiring and cable ends. They make nice flip lever circuit breakers that can be used as shut offs too.

My thoughts exactly when I saw the picture. Replace it with a marine in-line fuse instead.

If you really need a resettable breaker (can't imagine why if you have a fuse) get a longer wire from battery, put a fuse at the battery end and relocate the breaker to a "cleaner" environment.

[azrving]

That is about the last place that you want to place the circuit breaker. It's a vented battery so the circuit breaker is sitting right where it can get maximum corrosion exposure. The circuit breaker is most likely not explosion proof rated so in theory it's an ignition source when the battery is gassing. It most likely would never be a problem but again, it's about the worst place to install it.

If the previous owner did that poor of an install I would look at the circuit and see what is needed to properly carry the current. Go over any wiring and cable ends. They make nice flip lever circuit breakers that can be used as shut offs too.

[Moffittclan]

darsben wrote:
The button in the first picture appears to be a circuit breaker.
I would not believe the panel until I used a good VOM to confirm the battery voltage. If I were troubleshooting I would disconnect the batteries from all loads and measure the voltage. I would then charge the batteries with a GOOD battery charger until full. I would then reconnect the battery to the system and look at the reading on the panel. I would then figure my next step from there.
At 11 volts where the lights very dim? Did the TV work at all.

The lights were good and the TV/satellite were still working. I think tomorrow I'll measure the voltage at the batteries and then start the coach and measure it and see if it increases...But I still need to locate the solenoid because I don't think the battery boost button is working either....

[darsben]

The button in the first picture appears to be a circuit breaker.
I would not believe the panel until I used a good VOM to confirm the battery voltage. If I were troubleshooting I would disconnect the batteries from all loads and measure the voltage. I would then charge the batteries with a GOOD battery charger until full. I would then reconnect the battery to the system and look at the reading on the panel. I would then figure my next step from there.
At 11 volts where the lights very dim? Did the TV work at all.

[Kayteg1]

This is a circuit breaker that looks like add-on.
You have to find out what was added.
Battery insulators, or battery combiners are installed somewhere on the alternator - engine batteries line, so look there for a box that should be several inches big.