Operation Manual

9
1C
aravan - 02-08 - DET-0030-07EN
Electrical system
9
When the vehicle is not connected to the 240 V power supply or the 240 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 240 V power supply.
If the vehicle is connected to the 240 V power supply, the living area battery is
automatically charged by the charger module (Power Pack SE) that is fitted in
the transformer/rectifier.
Discharging The living area battery is discharged by the closed circuit current which some
electrical appliances continuously require. Appliances such as the charger,
solar charge regulator and control panel consume approx. 20 mA to 65 mA of
electricity from the battery capacity, even when the 12 V main switch is off.
During periods of low external temperatures, the battery will lose part of its
capacity.
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.
The higher the number of active electrical appliances, the faster the energy of
the living area battery is consumed.
In order to prevent fast discharge of the living area battery, the refrigerator is
operated on 12 V power supply only when the engine is running and when
there is an electrical connection between the towing vehicle and caravan.
9.3.2 Checking the living area battery (Power Pack SE)
The capacity of a battery is limited as to time. The higher the number of elec-
trical appliances, the faster the energy of the living area battery is consumed.
A battery which has been installed for years has no longer the complete
capacity available.
Charging condition To protect the living area battery, no more than 80 % of the battery's capacity
should be drawn. Therefore, a regular check of the charging condition of the
living area battery is recommended. The charging condition of the living area
battery can be read off on the panel.
The dryfill battery is maintenance-free. Maintenance-free means:
It is not necessary to check the acid level.
It is not necessary to lubricate the battery poles.
It is not necessary to refill the distilled water.
Even a maintenance-free dryfill battery must be charged regularly.
Total discharge damages the battery.
Recharge battery in good time.
Further information can be obtained in the instruction manual for the living
area battery.