Battery Disconnect - Chassis - Monaco DIPLOMAT 2004 Owner's Manual

A majority of the lighting and appliances are designed to operate from 12
Volt DC (direct current) power. This is why batteries play such an important
role in the function of the motorhome. There are exceptions with appliances
such as the microwave or television; however, indirectly they still operate
from 12 Volt DC power, as they can be operated from the inverter. The chas-
sis functions (engine, transmission, dash air, etc.) are also 12 Volt DC.
With the all technological advancements taking place in the past several
years manufacturers have now incorporated electronics into these systems. It
is important to keep the 12 Volt system(s) in good working order. These sys-
tems, with their incorporated electronics, are voltage sensitive. Some items
can be damaged if the DC voltage is not maintained within the designed
specifications.
There are two separate 12 Volt systems. One is the chassis system; the
other is the house system. These two systems, for the most part, are separate
from one another. The house system does not operate engine functions; as the
engine system does not operate house functions. However, within the two
systems there are some inner connections. For example: While the
motorhome is driven the alternator on the engine will surface charge the
house batteries. Each system will supply 12 Volt DC power to the 12 Volt
distribution panels.
The two different systems, engine and house, have their own set(s) of bat-
tery(s). The engine battery supplies 12 Volt DC power to the front distribu-
tion panel located in an outside compartment by the driver's side front wheel.
This panel contains mostly engine system fuses and wiring such as head-
lights, taillight, dashboard functions, gauges, etc. The house battery(s) sup-
plies 12 Volt DC power to the distribution panel located in the bedroom. This
panel contains fuses for the house, interior lighting and appliances, such as
the furnace and water heater.
The main battery disconnect for the chassis battery turns the DC power
on or off to the front electrical bay. Chassis and engine functions are inter-
rupted when the battery disconnect is turned off. Some electronic items
require a constant power source for memory retention such as the dash and
CB radios. Some electronic components of the engine and transmission
require a constant power source. Turn the main battery disconnect switch off
when the motorhome is going to be stored, or when performing electrical
maintenance.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS - CHASSIS
DIPLOMAT 2004
ELECTRICAL
CHASSIS
- INTRODUCTION
BATTERY
DISCONNECT
- CHASSIS
060163
9 • 329