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Topic: Tripped GFCI outlet power in storage lot; Batteries way down (Read 543 times) previous topic - next topic

Tripped GFCI outlet power in storage lot; Batteries way down

After 4-5 days of no shore power in the storage lot, my Gel house batteries voltage dropped to ~4.6 volts.  There was no lights on or any other draws that should do that.  The Inverter/ Charger was left on and would guess perhaps that is what may have caused the draw down.  What is the best way to leave the coach in storage if I don't plan to use it for a few weeks? ....  Disconnect the Inverter/charger and disconnect the house bank battery ground line?
I don't trust those GFCI's as this has happen before with no clue why it is tripping.  However this is the first time I left it long enough to have the batteries go down so low.  Hope they are not permanently damaged.  I tried to charge all three together,charged to 87% then shut down with an error (unable to maintain charge) from the charger.  I will attempt to charge one battery at a time in the morning  to see how that goes.
Fiddler
1959 Parris Island grad
40' 2001 U320 Build 5875
1999 Suburban K1500 toad
1986 Corvette Pacecar
ssoftail@comcast.net

Re: Tripped GFCI outlet power in storage lot; Batteries way down

Reply #1 –
If the inverter was left in standby mode when the coach lost power the inverter would then been supplying 120 volts to the coach and even with nothing on would have drawn the batteries down. If parked unoccupied I always turned the inverter to the off position, only left in standby when we were going to be in the coach most of the time.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Tripped GFCI outlet power in storage lot; Batteries way down

Reply #2 –
Sorry to hear about your problem.  I had something similar happen to me and killed my batteries.  I installed a monitor from RV Command that sends me a text when I have a problem with my coach.  Forgot what is costs a month, around $8.  Michele cheaper than replacing batteries.

RV Command
Steve DeLange
2005 U320T 40'
Pearland, Texas

Re: Tripped GFCI outlet power in storage lot; Batteries way down

Reply #3 –
Our inverter (Magnum MS2812) has a programmable low voltage disconnect feature.  I assumed that all modern inverters would include this safety device.  In the event our house battery bank is ever drawn down to the set value, the inverter will shut down, protecting the batteries from the exact situation described by the OP.  Seems like common sense engineering to me.  Excerpt from owner's manual below:

Low Battery
Whenever the battery voltage reaches a low level, the inverter will initiate Low Battery Cutoff (LBCO) which automatically shuts the inverter down, along with all connected loads, to protect the batteries from over-discharge damage. The inverterÂ’s LED turns OFF to indicate the fault condition.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Tripped GFCI outlet power in storage lot; Batteries way down

Reply #4 –
This from our Xantrex Prosine unit:

Automatic Low Battery Shut Down The Prosine inverter protects your batteries from damage by over-discharge by shutting down when battery voltage drops to 10.00 volts for 12-volt units... The unit will resume inverting when battery voltage exceeds 12.3 volts for 12-volt models...
Mark Duckworth
2003 U320 4220
Build 6199, Motorcade 17971

Re: Tripped GFCI outlet power in storage lot; Batteries way down

Reply #5 –
RV Command sounds interesting.  Does anyone know of other remote alert systems to monitor battery voltage, etc?

Re: Tripped GFCI outlet power in storage lot; Batteries way down

Reply #6 –
Storage lot GFCI are known to be problematic.  I think that buying a small battery charger that is placed in a secure location, connected to house battery bank, and plugged into storage GFCI with a regular extension cord will be MUCH less likely to trip the storage GFCI.  Of course turning inverter and all 12 volt loads off will allow the battery charger to keep up.  Also not a bad idea to have generator auto start active.  We have our auto start on and when we visit coach, I check hour meter to see if gen has run.

Re: Tripped GFCI outlet power in storage lot; Batteries way down

Reply #7 –
What would be the hook up instructions for a separate battery charger for the house battery bank?
Fiddler
1959 Parris Island grad
40' 2001 U320 Build 5875
1999 Suburban K1500 toad
1986 Corvette Pacecar
ssoftail@comcast.net

Re: Tripped GFCI outlet power in storage lot; Batteries way down

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Fiddler –
What would be the hook up instructions for a separate battery charger for the house battery bank?

It should either be a "smart" charger (i.e.  be able to provide the correct float voltage
OR
Put it on a HD timer.  The box stores have 20 amp timers. Set it to run an hour or two a day (actual run time depends somewhat on amp output of charger and parasitic draw on the batteries.

Best to locate it near, but not in the battery compartment.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020
 

Re: Tripped GFCI outlet power in storage lot; Batteries way down

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
RV Command sounds interesting.  Does anyone know of other remote alert systems to monitor battery voltage, etc?
I blieve Victron has internet enabled monitoring available but I don't know the details.
Mark Duckworth
2003 U320 4220
Build 6199, Motorcade 17971