Operation Manual

11
3M
otorcaravan - 09-08 - DET-0033-07EN
Electrical system
9
Position Depending on the model, the living area battery is installed either under the
driver's seat, under the front passenger's seat or in the bench behind the front
passenger's seat.
Discharging The living area battery is discharged by the closed circuit current which some
electrical appliances continuously require.
The self-discharge rate of the battery is 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.
During periods of low external temperatures, the battery will lose part of its
capacity.
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.
Before disconnecting or connecting the terminals of the battery, switch off
the vehicle engine as well as the 240 V and 12 V power supplies and all
appliances. Danger of short circuit!
If the starter battery or living area battery are disconnected, do not apply
the ignition. Danger of short circuit!
Take note of the battery manufacturer's users and maintenance instruc-
tions.
The 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 battery must be charged regularly.
Total discharge damages the battery.
Recharge battery in good time.
Appliances such as the safety/drainage valve, charger, solar charge regu-
lator and panel consume approx. 20 mA to 65 mA of electricity from the
battery capacity, even when the 12 V main switch is turned off. Therefore
disconnect the living area battery from the 12 V power supply, if the vehicle
will not be used for a long period of time.