Rotary Power Switch at Entry Door

Not much was said about this rotary switch last month when we did the walk-around so I'm not exactly sure what I should be doing with it (could kick myself for not remembering to ask about it!).  We are "plugged in" to 50A shore power at our storage facility all the time (we do have the surge protector).  Nothing is left ON in the RV when we are away, and the power switch is in the 12 o clock position ("ON" I guess).  Three questions and one request:

1.  Are the two AGM batteries receiving a trickle charge when the switch in ON and shore power is plugged in? 
2.  Are the AGM batteries powering anything when the rotary switch is OFF and shore power is plugged in  and
3.  To confirm, if shore power is removed and the rotary switch is ON, the use of any system will drain the battery until it's depleted, correct?
4.  Are there any important tips or warnings to remember about the operation of this switch?

Thanks in advance for your help - next time I'll make a better list of questions!

Mike

What Mike said.
Also:
#2 When the switch is OFF and plugged into shore power the converter supplies 12 volt power.  In most cases this is NOT a normal condition, the battery disconnect should be connected when plugged in so that the batteries stay charged up.  This was more important in the old days as older model converters needed the battery to buffer the power they were producing.  This is rarely the case with modern chargers, but there is still no reason to disconnect the battery when plugged in.  (Except if you are concerned about overcharging the batteries)

As Mike states you should verify the converter / charger installed.  Most chargers today will treat your battery OK.  At least much better than the older models.  If you have the Parallax model there is a temperature module that can be added that allows a somewhat better charging cycle.  https://www.amazon.com/Parallax-Power-4400TAU-Temperature-Compensation/dp/B00MI3UY8K  But verify your charger to make sure it is compatible.

The only time the battery disconnect switch should be disconnected is when putting the coach in long term storage with no available shore power.  And keep in mind that even with the switch disconnected there is still some draw as the LP and CO detectors are often wired around the disconnect.  That, along with normal self-discharge can drain your battery completely in a month or so.  Many people use a solar trickle charger to maintain the batteries when in storage, or remove them from the coach and keep them in a garage on a trickle charger.

#3 Yes.  And you should never drain the battery more than 50%.  Many recommend not going below 75% of full charge.  It can be hard to tell that without a battery monitor but there are charts that relate charge to voltage.  But it is important to remember that full charge is 12.7 volts and 50% charge is 12.0 volts.  Never, ever allow your batteries to go below 12 volts.  You can get simple plug in meters that will show the charge if you do not have a real monitor.  cheap 12v meter

Great stuff!  Thanks to both of you!  I'm assuming the only use of the OFF position might be when the batteries are removed or replaced?

Where is the factory installed converter/charger located?  Is it accessible for reading the model no. and other information?

Hey...

I have seen that green/yellow/red chart a lot.  I did a search and found an AGM version of it.  I only wished it stated "With No Load Applied"



I made a decal of it with clear packing tape, and stuck in on the inside of my over-head kitchen cabinet door below my PC weight decal.  So with the decal to the left and the volt meter to the right, we are better informed with our battery health.

I do assume the chart also applies to a pair of 6V AGMs hooked up in series.

I'm assuming the only use of the OFF position might be when the batteries are removed or replaced?

No.  If the batteries are removed there is no need for the switch.  The primary use is to cut off the batteries from the load in the coach thus preserving the charge as long as possible when in storage.  However, there is usually still some load from the LP and CO detectors.  On my coach the solar panels serve to keep the charge up when in storage so I never use the switch but without the panels I would turn it any time I am leaving the coach for a week or more.

Where is the factory installed converter/charger located?  Is it accessible for reading the model no. and other information?

Look for your fuse / circuit breaker panel.  On my coach it is under the passenger bed.  Open the door and you will see the fuses and circuit breakers.  I don't remember where the model number plate is you might have to dig deeper.  As far as I know they still use a Parallax one like these: http://www.parallaxpower.com/power-centers-5300-series

Hey...

I have seen that green/yellow/red chart a lot.  I did a search and found an AGM version of it.  I only wished it stated "With No Load Applied"

OK, THAT explains some of the high readings I get. I have (4) DEKA gel batteries that read 13.07V after 2 days off charge. And they are 2 years old!!


Here ya go -

Volkemon,

You are something else.

Thank You!
Ron