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Topic: wiring for macerator (Read 1129 times) previous topic - next topic

wiring for macerator

I'd like to utilize one of the unused breakers in my inverter/HWH bay to supply 12v to a macerator pump.  I'm referring to the manual reset breakers behind the wingnut panel.  What is the best way to shut off power to the set of breakers?  The breaker I'd like to use is on the buss bar that is supplied from a 120A device with a red button on it.  What does that button do?  Based on the wiring diagram, that device is fed directly from the house batteries and also feeds the battery disconnect switch at the entry door.  What is that device - some kind of breaker - and can I use it to shut off power to the bank of breakers by pressing that button?

Assuming I do cut power to those breakers, one of those affected would be Dash Mem.  I'm not concerned about radio memory and clocks, but one identified item is HWH mem.  I am surprised to see that HWH has memory and wonder what it is and if there's any reason to be concerned about cutting power to it? 

Thanks,
MIke
2003 u-295

Re: wiring for macerator

Reply #1 –
Quote
What is the best way to shut off power to the set of breakers?
Turn off the Battery Master Switch a the Front Door.

Quote
The breaker I'd like to use is on the buss bar that is supplied from a 120A device with a red button on it.  What does that button do?
That is a 120 amp Circuit Breaker.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: wiring for macerator

Reply #2 –
Thanks for input, Barry.

The unused breaker I plan to use isn't on the buss bar that is fed through the disconnect switch at the entry door.  It's on a second bar, just below, that is fed directly from the 120A breaker.  I now understand that the 120A breaker is a resettable breaker, but not a switchable one, i.e. one that can be switched off.

I hope to do the project this weekend, although I'm still missing a couple parts to make the pump fit in the bay properly.
Incidentally, I have seen several times where owners are advised to solve the Thetford issue by cutting off the Thetford fitting and replace it with a standard Valterra lug fitting.  That won't work in my case because the Thetford fitting is a male fitting placed directly in one port of an ABS "T".  Only the hub of that ABS fitting protrudes past the panel into the bay.  In this case, one has to use the Valterra Universal Adaptor, also identified by others in the past.  There is just barely enough room in the bay to then add an elbow - at least, I think there's enough room- I'll find out for sure tomorrow.

Mike Spitz
2003 u295

Re: wiring for macerator

Reply #3 –
Quote
There is just barely enough room in the bay to then add an elbow - at least, I think there's enough room-

I was able to get my macerator to fit with the elbow. It just makes it.
I can remove it with the twist connection.
I used a 12vdc plug connection so I could remove it at anytime.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: wiring for macerator

Reply #4 –
There's just no end to it.....I've never heard of a macerator before, and now I have to have one.  Why the heck wouldn't every MH have one?  What's the down side?  I can't imagine that they're even that expensive.
1996 U270
Build #4846

Re: wiring for macerator

Reply #5 –
Downside:  You don't get to do the "sewer hose  snake dance" every time you drain. :(
Michael Baldacchino
'97 40' U320

Re: wiring for macerator

Reply #6 –
Holding tanks empty slower with less of a big flush out to loosen bottom gatherings.  And it can take longer to dump.

Re: wiring for macerator

Reply #7 –
The downside is:

They occasionally PLUG UP and have to be disconnected and cleaned/repaired before the job is finished and for some, that is a real DOWNSIDE.

Prior to purchase I suggest that you investigate the subject in depth to avoid any unpleasant pitfalls.

You will probably find that mariners have the best overall take on the subject.  Not many are in use for people who stay in parks.  Private site users, remote campers in public sites and boondockers use them on a regular basis.

Let us know how it works out for you.
JON TWORK KB8RSA
Full Time RVer (10+ Years) & Dedicated Boondocker
Retired, Unemployed, Homeless Transients
1996 Foretravel U270-36 w/24' Timberwolf Trailer
I firmly believe that tomorrow holds the possibility for new technologies, astounding discoveries, and a reprieve from my remaining obligations.
Welcome to WeRV2 (Under Construction)
Find Jon: Via Satellite Tracker Datastorm Users
The Second Amendment is in place in case they ignore the others.

Re: wiring for macerator

Reply #8 –
Well, now you've cooled me off on the idea, not that it was anything I was going to rush out and do right away anyway.  But, it would seem like the ideal situation would be if you could do either/or.
1996 U270
Build #4846