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Topic: extra wire in house battery bay (Read 559 times) previous topic - next topic

extra wire in house battery bay

Anyone have an idea what this loose wire in the house battery bay would be for?  Found it when I was installing new batteries.  Appears to be taped to the cable headed back to the inverter.  Should it be attached to something and what? When checking by inverter I don't see the wire anywhere.  It is a SW3000 inverter.

2000 GV320 4010 build #5712  2019-?
1999 Bounder 2000-2008
Bardstown, KY
🥃The Bourbon Capital of the World🥃

Re: extra wire in house battery bay

Reply #1 –
Most likely a battery temperature sensor.  Normally those are connected to a (-) post on the battery.  double check to make sure it is not (+) 12v.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: extra wire in house battery bay

Reply #2 –
If its like the one on my Magnum inverter, the temp sensor wire looks like a telephone line wire, and has a clear plastic connector on the other end that plugs into a jack on the inverter that looks like a telephone jack.

There is probably a correct technical term for that type of wire/jack, but I don't know what it is.  :'(

...and...I'm too lazy to look it up...

See Item #2 in the diagram:
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: extra wire in house battery bay

Reply #3 –
From the picture it looks like there is a Xantrex temperature sensor hooked up properly and the OP is referring to the loose cable end at the tip of the arrow.

It could attach where the temp sender is attached, right under the heel of the hand pictured. Looks like rotating the negative clamp clockwise a little would allow it to happen. BUT ONLY IF IT BELONGS THERE

Maybe the wiring diagram shows it, or an identifying number on the wire itself, underneath the wire loom.

Re: extra wire in house battery bay

Reply #4 –
Can't tell from the picture.

Yes, IF (repeat IF) it goes to the telephone-type gray cable, it is the battery temperature sensor.

But, that is a far larger eye than one would expect to see on a temperature sensor.

Also need to get the lugs down on the battery posts.  Should be at or close to 100% contact.
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: extra wire in house battery bay

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Travelin' Man –
From the picture it looks like there is a Xantrex temperature sensor hooked up properly and the OP is referring to the loose cable end at the tip of the arrow.
GOOD EYES, T-Man!  I think you are correct, which means I don't have any freaking idea what the wire in question is for.
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: extra wire in house battery bay

Reply #6 –
Second ground cable
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: extra wire in house battery bay

Reply #7 –
See what is inside the corrugated wire cover?  The wire under the red arrow looks like it has some abrasion on it.  Not sure what is going on with your pattery posts but the clamps should fit all the way down onto the post.clean up,those clamps.  Probably time to replace the bolts.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: extra wire in house battery bay

Reply #8 –
Looks like an unconnected high current cable. I would find out where the other end goes/is connected to before doing ANYTHING with it. In the meantime, it would be wise to insulate it; insuring it doesn't come in contact with either battery terminal (or anything else)
Could also test voltage potential between that cable and both battery terminals to get some idea of what it might be connected to on the other end, if anything, but the above still applies.

Greg
Greg & Cathy
2000 U320 4010 DGFE Build #5650
Had: 1999 Tradewinds 7370

Re: extra wire in house battery bay

Reply #9 –
Looks like you have another small cable on the other terminal. Maybe from solar controller or aux. battery charger?
Or maybe a small inverter directly wired to batteries?
No telling what po's did.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: extra wire in house battery bay

Reply #10 –
I think the Xantrex cable that is hooked up is the temp sensor on the inverter and it does look like a phone wire after the connection to the post. 

I will cover it up with some tape.

This picture was during battery change out so the cables are down and secure now. 

Jcus:  The other cable to the right of arrow is for a solar controller.

And the search continues!.....

2000 GV320 4010 build #5712  2019-?
1999 Bounder 2000-2008
Bardstown, KY
🥃The Bourbon Capital of the World🥃