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Re: Mystery switch!
Posted: 15 Jul 2014, 09:30
by isaune
I had a similar switch.
When it was on, it allowed the leisure battery to share the alternator's charge.
When it was off, only the starter battery received charge.
Never really saw much point but that's what it did.
Re: Mystery switch!
Posted: 16 Jul 2014, 05:45
by 1664
thebobster wrote:Do you have a three-way fridge fitted?
If so, have you ever used it on 12 volt whilst you are driving?
That switch looks like the one on my van which takes the 12 volt supply to the fridge. For it to work, of course, you have to set the controls on the fridge to 12 volt operation as well as switching that switch on.
isaune wrote:I had a similar switch.
When it was on, it allowed the leisure battery to share the alternator's charge.
When it was off, only the starter battery received charge.
Never really saw much point but that's what it did.
One of the above
Re: Mystery switch!
Posted: 16 Jul 2014, 20:27
by mike9009
I had a very similar switch on an imported 1991 MX5 (Eunos). It was retrofitted to provide a rear foglight for the car.
Mike
Re: Mystery switch!
Posted: 30 Jul 2014, 11:12
by VeraV
I've got one of them too in my 1980 Xplorer -3yrs on and I still don't know what magic it can create. One day......
Re: Mystery switch!
Posted: 31 Jul 2014, 21:46
by thebobster
A couple of weeks have passed since the first posting. Rosal, are you any nearer an answer yet? I'm curious too.
Re: Mystery switch!
Posted: 01 Aug 2014, 15:52
by Rosal
Yes. One post was right on the money. It makes the fridge work when we're driving. Brilliant! We can't seem to get the fridge to work off the leisure battery though. Any thoughts in that one? On electric hook up it works fine. Rosie
Re: Mystery switch!
Posted: 01 Aug 2014, 15:58
by tonytech
The fridge should not be connected to your leisure battery, it will flatten it in a few hours.
Dont even leave it switched on while you stop for coffee.
Gas or mains while camping, 12V (form the alternator) while traveling.
Re: Mystery switch!
Posted: 01 Aug 2014, 15:59
by AdrianC
Rosal wrote:We can't seem to get the fridge to work off the leisure battery though. Any thoughts in that one?
Depending on the type of fridge, you probably don't want it to. You'll kill the battery in short order.
Re: Mystery switch!
Posted: 01 Aug 2014, 16:02
by Rosal
Yes. The red button allows the fridge to work off 12volt whilst driving. Thanks to the person who suggested this. Brilliant! Can't get the fridge to work off 12volt when the engine is not on though. I thought it was broken Any ideas what switch combo might work?
Re: Mystery switch!
Posted: 01 Aug 2014, 16:04
by AdrianC
Rosal wrote:Can't get the fridge to work off 12volt when the engine is not on though.
That's what both Tony & I just said you don't want to do. It uses far too much electricity, so would kill your battery rapidly. The switch connects it to the alternator output.
Re: Mystery switch!
Posted: 01 Aug 2014, 16:04
by Rosal
Ok. Sounds like using 12 volt for fridge is a bad idea. Will leave well alone. Thankyiu
Re: Mystery switch!
Posted: 01 Aug 2014, 16:08
by AdrianC
Rosal wrote:Sounds like using 12 volt for fridge is a bad idea.
It's fine whilst the engine's running, and the alternator is making plenty of electricity, but not when you're relying on what's in the battery. A typical 12v fridge uses almost as much electricity as your headlights.
Re: Mystery switch!
Posted: 01 Aug 2014, 18:23
by lefty67
Ive got a switch like that for front spotlights.