Leisure battery and wiring help for an idiot

[jamiesmack]

Hi all,

I have a 1983 Devon with a hook-up, but I am going to attempt to install my own leisure battery. I've had a good read through the wiki, and am pretty confident with installing it with the relay etc. My question is how do you connect the battery to the existing electrical sockets etc? or do you not connect to these?

If not, how do you run lights, phone chargers etc?

Please don't laugh if my question is ridiculous. I'm in over my head slightly but trying to learn as I go!

Thanks in advance

[windydubber]

Take a look at this link! I think it's pretty idiot proof!!

http://www.switchpanel.co.uk/how-to-wir ... amper.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Simple but effective! Like me!!

[California Dreamin]

To put it simply: Negative terminal on the battery to the vehicle body (minimum 6mm cable). The positive terminal to a 4 / 6 way fuse box and then on to each individual circuit. So each circuit is fused appropriately. Best to get a fuse box with at least one spare for future addons.

Martin

[AdrianC]

I have a 1983 Devon with a hook-up, but I am going to attempt to install my own leisure battery. I've had a good read through the wiki, and am pretty confident with installing it with the relay etc. My question is how do you connect the battery to the existing electrical sockets etc? or do you not connect to these?

By "existing sockets", do you mean the three-pin 230v mains ones?

If so, then - no - they will always work only from hookup. (but see below)

The leisure battery gives you extra capacity for 12v lights, ciggy sockets etc - and, if you flatten it, you can still start the van afterwards. Basic rule of thumb - take as much 12v stuff as you can, and as little 230v.

Back to the mains sockets - you CAN put a mains socket connected to an inverter connected to the leisure battery, which is kinda the reverse of a battery charger - but if you plug anything more than trivial into it, you'll kill the battery in short order.

[California Dreamin]

I've just re-read the original question and I can see that Jamie may be getting things mixed up as Adrian pointed out.

And just to back up what he said ...don't be mixing up the TWO completely separate circuits.

1 the Mains 230 Volts AC circuit....from hookup to 'consumer unit' (this box protects you from circuits and overloads) and then on to mains 3 pin sockets (like the ones in your house) and perhaps to a Zip unit or charger which maintains the leisure battery (but don't be confused...230 volts is never directly connected to anything 12 volts.

and
2 the 12 volt circuit: Battery to 4 or 6 gang fuse box and then on to anything leisure wise requiring 12 volts.

The 12 volt battery can be charged VIA a split charge relay to the starter battery (which basically connects the two batteries together (starter & leisure) with the engine running but breaks that connection when the engine stops). Plus...an addition of a 'leisure battery charger' which is powered off the mains but not directly connected too it 'as stated earlier'... Zig unit or stand alone but must be a modern multi-staged unit that switches to 'float charge' when the leisure is fully charged.

Martin

[jamiesmack]

appreciate all the answers guys

So, once I have installed my leisure battery under the front passenger seat and connected it to the main starter battery with the relay, where would you recommend siting the new fuse box?

Can you guys recommend any products / suppliers for this stuff? specifically the fuse box / cables / lights etc?

[Jonnyb416]

I used these to buy wiring, terminals and the fuse box etc.
http://www.electricalcarservices.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Got all my LED lights from various eBay sites.
I fitted my fuse box next to the battery, actually under my seat.