Electrical problem

[hunter323]

I am a novice as far as electrics are concerned!! I have a twin battery system monitored by a NASA battery monitor and the usual switch with off 1 1+2 and 2. When I turn the switch to on, the monitor shows a discharge climbing to 3.6amps although as far as I can see everything is turned off although there a few items serviced directly from the batteries. I also have a solar panel and wind generator which appear to be working correctly as when the switch is off the monitor shows a charge of 0.2amps.
Any suggestions as to how to track the problem and solve would be very gratefully received.

Is boating all about solving 2 problems only to get a new one!!!

 

[pvb]

You need to progressively disconnect the few items serviced directly until you find what's causing the discharge. Not always easy to find. Some things, like FM radios, have a permanent small drain to preserve their memories, but nowhere near 3.6A. In tracing a mysterious current discharge once, I found a light had been left on in a locker.

 

[vyv_cox]

First, check the instrument by substituting a meter.

3.6 amps is a sizeable current, about the consumption of a refrigerator, and far more than most other consumers. Something with a motor rather than lights or electronics. Domestic water pump? Bilge pump?

 

[Sandyman]

First, check the instrument by substituting a meter.

3.6 amps is a sizeable current, about the consumption of a refrigerator, and far more than most other consumers. Something with a motor rather than lights or electronics. Domestic water pump? Bilge pump?

Would agree check the reading first. If it was a pump then you would hear it. Suggest switch on a number of lights or other load of known current consumption
and then see if the reading increases accordingly. If you have circuit breakers or switches turn off one at a time to identify the loading circuit.

 

[Kylora]

I am a novice as far as electrics are concerned!! I have a twin battery system monitored by a NASA battery monitor and the usual switch with off 1 1+2 and 2. When I turn the switch to on, the monitor shows a discharge climbing to 3.6amps although as far as I can see everything is turned off although there a few items serviced directly from the batteries. I also have a solar panel and wind generator which appear to be working correctly as when the switch is off the monitor shows a charge of 0.2amps.
Any suggestions as to how to track the problem and solve would be very gratefully received.

What do you mean by "When I turn the switch to on"? If you turn the 1/ 1+2 / 2 switch to 1 +2 ( both ) then the more fully charged battery ( the one connected to the solar / wind? likely to be the domestic? likely to be the one being monitored? ) will flow current into the less charged battery. This could well be 3.6A for a short time.

Ash

 

[grumpygit]

Just a thought to try. 3.6 amps could be equivalent to the alternator field current, disconnect main battery positive on the alternator and re check for discharge.