What is the purpose of dc disconnect

Anything electric, AC or DC

What is the purpose of dc disconnect

Postby Dalorin » Tue Mar 24, 2015 4:24 pm

All,

I'm seeing where the pd4045 and similar stations are sometimes wired with a dc disconnect that allows you to keep the battery charging while disconnecting all the dc circuits that head out of the fuse box. Why would you want this? I'm trying to understand the utility of doing this.

Similarly, I've heard of people putting a switch inline with the battery so that you can disconnect it from the station. If its on a charge wizard anyway it's not going to harm the battery to leave it connected the whole time you're on shore power right? So why do this?

All help is appreciated.
Dalorin
Teardrop Master
 
Posts: 135
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 2014 4:50 am

Re: What is the purpose of dc disconnect

Postby MtnDon » Tue Mar 24, 2015 4:53 pm

I like to be able to disconnect all loads from the battery when I place a trailer or other RV in storage. It is a positive method of disconnecting all loads, even the hidden loads that might slowly drain a battery. It could also be considered a safety item for when something is being serviced.
Our 6x12 deep vee nose cargo trailer camper conversion... viewtopic.php?f=42&t=58336

We have a small off grid cabin we built ourselves in the NM mountains; small PV solar system; 624 watts PV, Outback CC & inverter/charger ... http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.0
User avatar
MtnDon
2000 Club
2000 Club
 
Posts: 2200
Images: 24
Joined: Sun Aug 19, 2012 10:57 pm
Location: New Mexico

Re: What is the purpose of dc disconnect

Postby glenpinpat » Tue Mar 24, 2015 5:31 pm

My battery is under neath my bed and would be a pain to get at if I need to disconnect while working on the electrical system. My main disconnect is easily accessible. This is much like the main breaker in your house, power is still coming in but not going to the fuse panel allowing you to work on the electrical without disconnecting the wires from the road.
User avatar
glenpinpat
Teardrop Master
 
Posts: 259
Images: 2
Joined: Fri Mar 12, 2010 6:00 pm
Location: glencoe, ontario
Top

Re: What is the purpose of dc disconnect

Postby Shadow Catcher » Tue Mar 24, 2015 6:29 pm

As pointed out being able to shut off all power when you want to work on the electrics. In our case the solar panel and controller are not part of that as it goes directly to the battery and I will be installing Power Pole quick disconnects and new fuses. The big red switch is the cut off.
114210
User avatar
Shadow Catcher
Donating Member
 
Posts: 6008
Images: 234
Joined: Sat Apr 11, 2009 8:26 pm
Location: Metamora, OH
Top

Re: What is the purpose of dc disconnect

Postby Dalorin » Thu Mar 26, 2015 1:29 pm

Thanks for the help everyone. I'm putting my battery in the tongue box so it should be easy to access. I think I'll forego the disconnect. Good information.
Dalorin
Teardrop Master
 
Posts: 135
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 2014 4:50 am
Top


Return to Electrical Secrets

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests