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Subject Topic: 12s supply into van problem.
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Personnavver
14/8/2016 at 8:49pm
 Location: West country
 Outfit: Mondeo View navver's Profile View Profile   Reply to navver Reply   Quote navver Quote  
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So it's working as it should on van but the switch is the opposite if what it should be. But it does work.

When the switch is on van do all the internal lights and pump etc work.
1. When connected to car and engine running. They should not.
2. When connected to car with engine not running. They should work from car battery. Prove by disconnecting van battery.
3. If not connected to car. They should work from van battery.

If all this is as I said it should be safe to tow like it.

As I understand it, the car van switch was before habitation relays were used. Nowadays its all automatic with the habitation relay doing all the switching. It is voltage operated so knows if the engine is running and knows whether its connected to the car or not.

Basically it should be as follows.
12s plugged into car and engine running. No internal 12volt works but fridge works and battery charges.

12s plugged into car and engine not running. Internal 12volt works from car battery and fridge does not work except on gas and battery doesn't charge.

Not plugged into car and no EHU. Internal 12volt works from van battery and fridge does not work except on gas and battery doesn't charge.

Not plugged into car and EHU plugged in. Internal 12volt works from van battery and fridge does not work except on gas or 240volt and battery charges.

The reason the internal electrics should not work when the engine is running is to ensure that faults with the internal van wiring do not in any way affect or prevent the car or trailer lights and stop lights and indicators etc electrics working correctly.



PersonPickled Onion
15/8/2016 at 10:19am
 Location: Near Alton Towers
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A very enlightening post and logically laid out too nawer, I recon that should help quite a few understand their electrics.

Dave.

-------------
Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.


Person3hilton
15/8/2016 at 4:09pm
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Yes a very well written explanation Navver. Answers as below:-
1. Correct, no 12v with engine running.
2. When I disconnect van battery, there is no 12v in van at all with car connected (either with ignition on or not and switch set to car or van).
3. Correct they do.
Hope this makes sense to you more than it does to me!!
Thanks again. Gary


Personnavver
15/8/2016 at 11:54pm
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It seems your only problem is that the switch says the wrong word by it.

I'd carry on as it is. It should be safe.


Person3hilton
16/8/2016 at 12:06am
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Thanks Navver and all others for your great help and advice. I will be recommending this forum to all I can as it has been quite friendly and you all seem so knowledgeable.
Many thanks once again and happy caravanning!!!



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