Instruction manual

132 T-Modell - 13/14 - Ausgabe 08/13 - 2354677 - BUE-0029-14EN
Electrical system
8
8.4.3 Living area battery
When the vehicle is not connected to the 230 V power supply or the 230 V
power supply is switched off, the living area battery supplies the living area
with 12 V DC. The living area battery has a limited power supply only. For this
reason, electrical appliances such as the radio and the lights should not be
operated for a long time without using the 230 V power supply.
Position See chapter 16.
Discharging The living area battery is discharged by the closed circuit current which some
electrical appliances continuously require.
Even a fully charged living area battery can, after an extended period, be fully
discharged via a closed-circuit current (inactive appliances).
Low temperatures outside reduce the capacity available.
The self-discharge rate of the battery is also dependant on temperature. At 20
to 25 °C the self-discharge rate is approx. 3 % of the capacity per month. The
self-discharge rate will increase with rising temperatures: At 35 °C the self-dis-
charge rate is approx. 20 % of the capacity per month.
An older battery no longer has the complete capacity available.
Z Use only the built-in transformer/rectifier to load the living area battery.
Z After the trip, charge the living area battery fully.
Z Before a temporary lay-up, charge the battery fully.
Z When the living area battery is changed, only use batteries of the same
type and the same capacity.
Z If there are several living area batteries, always change all the batteries
together. The batteries must always be the same age and have the same
capacity.
Z When changing the living area battery, use only batteries which meet the
minimum capacity of the charger. Observe the separate instruction manual
for the charger. Lower-capacity batteries will generate a great deal of heat
when they are charged. Danger of explosion!
Z If the living area battery is replaced and the charging unit does not provide
at least 10 % of the rating of a new battery, install an auxiliary charging unit.
Example: With a battery capacity of 80 Ah, the charging unit must supply
at least 8 A charging current.
Z Before disconnecting or connecting the terminals of the battery, switch off
the vehicle engine as well as the 230 V and 12 V power supplies and all
appliances. Danger of short circuit!
Z If the starter battery or living area battery are disconnected, do not apply
the ignition. There is a danger of short circuit from exposed cable ends.
Z If possible, begin the trip with a fully charged living area battery. Therefore,
charge the living area battery before starting the trip.
Z During the trip, use every available opportunity to charge the living area
battery.
Z The radio device in the driver’s cabin is connected to the living area battery.
Z Total discharge damages the battery.
Z Recharge battery in good time.