what does this switch do?

[perlnumquist]

So, the electrical saga continues with me getting confused about the function of various components. The switch attached flashes for seemingly arbitrary criteria of its own. It can be pressed in at the top or the bottom. I think it trips out the circuit for the two leisure batteries but i am not sure which position means they are connected/charging and which isolated.

Has anyone else got a switch like this and if so, do they know which position is which?

thanks

[MrMPuk]

Not an original switch i'm affraid.

[trevor3839]

We have these battery guard switches on our new fire engines,,,basically they act like a master switch on the batteries..you can either power it down when you switch off or they auto power down after a set time to preserve the batteries...ours leave the main computer systems live but cuts non essential bits.
It will also power down if the voltage drops below a set level taking more systems out but ensuring it will start..

[bazw]

eggsalent idea wonder where you can get them

[bookwyse]

It does indeed isolate the main battery from the leisure batterys in the rear. If you press it once it will power everything in the rear and charge the system. Press it for over three seconds and it isolates the main battery from the rear and flashes green to indicate so. If the power in the main battery drops too much it will automatically isolate it.

Standard fitment on Clarkes conversions.

[perlnumquist]

Hmmm.. havent tried pressing it for three seconds. Is that at the top or at the bottom? It seems to have tow positions and both make a relay go clunk.
It seems to mostly flash green. It sounds like this indicates isolation of the leisure batteries, including charging. I will try running some stuff off them after driving with the switch in both positions and then seeing in which case the voltage dropped.

Clarkes is well known for conversions then? They did a good job. the workbench was a bitch to get out. Top quality plywood too which I shall be reusing. I am a bit scared about relocating that control panel though. It seems to be wired in to the starter solenoid and ignition switches.

[bookwyse]

Mine still has the instructions for the isolation on the sun visor. I shall take them off, scan them and post them on here if you wish.

Jeff

[GBBiker]

Clarks of Doncaster fit those in conversions for Network Rail. Along with watwr heaters, microwaves, comfy beds, etc, etc.

No wonder the railways are in such a bad state of repair, they never get out of their luxury vans Roll on the Ginsters

[Trojan]

The main reason for fitting them is in case you leave all your lights on in the back, use a ramp lift, or leave a fridge running etc.. it's designed to isolate your battery in order to leave you sufficient to start your engine again, so you should never be left stranded because you had one last cuppa before setting off!

[perlnumquist]

Jeff, that would be very helpful if you could scan the instructions. I tried various configurations of pressing and the lights in the back still go off after 5 mins. I suspect the batteries have not been charging whilst I have been driving.
I have the microwave, water heater, heating etc. its all coming out as soon as I know which relays I can remove without disabling the van.

thanks

Pete

[fastmower]

Can't help with the switch question - but that's a serious amount of dash shine you have on there!!

The garage lad at a carriers I worked for used to have a thing about it and would do your wagon dash when you'd gone home. After that, you'd spend about a month cursing him daily as all your delivery notes and everything else would be sliding all over the place at every corner! Used to take ages to get to a dirty/dusty enough state to keep things in place again!!

Andy

[gNo]

Hi,
I have the same system in my crewvan which i recently bought. The instructions on the sticker are , If there is no power at ignition press flashing reset switch and start engine.To isolate batteries press & hold reset switch for 3 seconds.
Basically if the green light is flashing then the main battery is isolated interior lights, central locking, and ignition won't work. Press the green light then it resets.
It also isolates automatically if voltage drops below a certain amount. Or you can isolate batteries by holding switch in for 3 secs.

[perlnumquist]

Aha! Worked it out! It cuts out after 4 mins because the batteries have not been charging. I now have it on a heavy duty charger straight to the leisure batteries and will see what happens when they have been on charge for a couple of days. Thanks for the responses. I now know what the green flashing means
Next bit of the job now.

[Pheo Blue]

Hi ,
Heres a link to the supplier of that particular piece of kit with an operational description.
http://www.maplefleetservices.co.uk/battery_guard.shtml.
Hope this info helps.
Regards Hugh

[perlnumquist]

Marvellous! Thank you. I timed the "on" period. It was indeed 4 minutes. After charging the batteries from the mains for a day, it no longer happens. I hope the batteries had not been left too long...

Thanks for your help.