In a message dated 96-05-04 20:10:12 EDT, AJAX668873@aol.com writes: > >I have a deep cycle RV battery that I store in a plastic case under the rear >seat of my 87 Westy to power a portable 9" tv/vcr combo. I just connect the >+ and - poles to a BASIC DESIGNS12-volt cord (alligator clips and cigarette >type lighter adapter) and then plug in the tv 12-volt cord. Well I just >tried this with the BASIC DESIGNS power shower and fried the cord! Nearly >started a fire! Was this just because the BASIC DESIGNS alligator clips >which connect to the battery are so "wimpy" or is this inherently dangerous? > I don't want to fry my tv. Worse I don't want a fire. Any suggestions? I >try to avoid using the dashboard lighter plug for obvious reasons > > A abttery can pass an awfull lot of current. Connecting an uncharged battery to a chrged battery with the alternator charging can pass 30 amps or more, plus any load connected. All wiring needs to be sized properly and fused correctly. Unfortunately, many systems in a Vanagon are not fused from the factory making things worse when modifications are performed. Be carefull what you connect and how. I would recomend a second battery be permanatly and proerly installed with appropriate relays to control charging and having all loads properly fused. BTW, not only can shorted batteries cas a fire, but the resulting gases and heat can cause a battery to explode. Charging frozen batteries are also deadly. Denis H.
|
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.