Community Forums

pallencollin · 04-23-2018, 10:24 AM

Will be receiving my eight new LifeLine batteries later today from Centex Batteries via FedEx and will be installing on Wednesday. I will ensure all power is disconnected before installation. However, I’m not certified to ensure the solar panels are turned off. Is there a breaker, a switch or do I just cover the panels on the roof?

lowejug · 04-23-2018, 12:58 PM

I swapped my 8 house batteries and did nothing to disconnect the solar..
Just turned my main battery disconnect switch off by the stairs.
Was fine and had no
issues...

Old Scout · 04-23-2018, 01:01 PM

....think there are some controllers that must have 12v battery power connected first before connecting the panels....so in reverse, disconnect the solar at the controller then mess with the battery swap.....

pallencollin · 04-23-2018, 01:03 PM

Lowejug,
Thank you for your response.
I just realized that the current/existing Discovery Batteries have a threaded post adjacent to the usual - + post. The lifeline batteries do not have this additional threaded post. Will I need all new cables or will the existing cables work?

pallencollin · 04-23-2018, 01:20 PM

Just answered my own question. I reviewed the Lifeline cut sheet and the terminals are threaded.

voltdoc · 04-23-2018, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pallencollin

Will be receiving my eight new LifeLine batteries later today from Centex Batteries via FedEx and will be installing on Wednesday. I will ensure all power is disconnected before installation. However, I’m not certified to ensure the solar panels are turned off. Is there a breaker, a switch or do I just cover the panels on the roof?

Depends which solar setup you have, my guess for a 2014 is you have this one: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jD...1d932GTgxvQp3Y
There do not appear to be any fuses employed. Pretty sure the charge controllers will have no issue with the battery being disconnected. If you want to be sure, disconnect one of the leads from the solar panel at the controller.

The newer coaches have this solar configuration: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bz...G9pVFhYeTNYTk0
There are two 30A fuses, one at the House battery bank and one at the Start battery bank. I believe these are ATC type automotive fuses in a waterproof holder.

vsheetz · 04-23-2018, 03:56 PM

A RV PV system should have a disconnect on both sides of the controller to enable isolating all components for service.

That said, not all do. If need be cover the panels from the sun. This is often done during installation wiring by cutting up the cardboard shipping boxes.

Tom78418 · 04-23-2018, 09:24 PM

All you should have to do is cover the panels. I installed a cutout on my last coach and instead of disconnecting the panels, I covered them, verified no voltage and cut the wire in he basement to install the cutout breaker.