House batteries

[Jack Storm]

Hi Everyone from Sunny but Breezy Marina Smir,Morocco.

First post so in common with all other contributors, I have trawled the forum looking for an answer to my query before posting, but to no avail regarding my particular issue. If anyone can point me in the right direction I should be most grateful.

So my problem.

Closed "Sirocco" { Elan 431 Team. 1998} down, with shore power connected for battery charging, and all non-essential DC electrics off except Fridge.
Departed for UK Via Gibraltar for 3 weeks. Saw a little 6 Nations Rugby and a few real ales. On return to Morocco arrived at boat at 22:00 hrs. Turned on Saloon Light switch, but NO lights. Checked panel for any anomalies, but discovered nothing. Checked shore power lead all functioning. Started Engine ! and everything fired up as normal.
On further investigation. it would appear there where several power cuts while we were away, but I am at a loss to understand how Starting the engine would apparently give me full service again from my house batteries immediately?. I am continuing my investigations but if any of my fellow members has a greater electrical knowledge and experience, I would be extremely grateful to hear form you.

 

[TQA]

Corrosion on one of the connections to the house batteries would be my best guess.

When you ran the engine the alternator charge burned through the corrosion or the vibration reconnected things.

Go through the wiring methodically and clean all the connections.

 

[vyv_cox]

Did the lights come on subsequently?

It would seem to depend upon your switching arrangement. If a simple 1-2-both switch, was it set correctly? If a VSR, maybe as TQR suggests or the switch itself is a bit sticky and the start jolted it into action.

 

[Sarnia]

Hi Everyone from Sunny but Breezy Marina Smir,Morocco.

First post so in common with all other contributors, I have trawled the forum looking for an answer to my query before posting, but to no avail regarding my particular issue. If anyone can point me in the right direction I should be most grateful.

So my problem.

Closed "Sirocco" { Elan 431 Team. 1998} down, with shore power connected for battery charging, and all non-essential DC electrics off except Fridge.
Departed for UK Via Gibraltar for 3 weeks. Saw a little 6 Nations Rugby and a few real ales. On return to Morocco arrived at boat at 22:00 hrs. Turned on Saloon Light switch, but NO lights. Checked panel for any anomalies, but discovered nothing. Checked shore power lead all functioning. Started Engine ! and everything fired up as normal.
On further investigation. it would appear there where several power cuts while we were away, but I am at a loss to understand how Starting the engine would apparently give me full service again from my house batteries immediately?. I am continuing my investigations but if any of my fellow members has a greater electrical knowledge and experience, I would be extremely grateful to hear form you.

Rather difficult to make an analysis from a distance, but good clean connections are vital as others stated.
I found this article about the most efficient way to connect multiple banks which you may find helpful, and get the best from your banks.
http://www.smartgauge.co.uk/batt_con.html

 

[Chris_Robb]

Hi Everyone from Sunny but Breezy Marina Smir,Morocco.

First post so in common with all other contributors, I have trawled the forum looking for an answer to my query before posting, but to no avail regarding my particular issue. If anyone can point me in the right direction I should be most grateful.

So my problem.

Closed "Sirocco" { Elan 431 Team. 1998} down, with shore power connected for battery charging, and all non-essential DC electrics off except Fridge.
Departed for UK Via Gibraltar for 3 weeks. Saw a little 6 Nations Rugby and a few real ales. On return to Morocco arrived at boat at 22:00 hrs. Turned on Saloon Light switch, but NO lights. Checked panel for any anomalies, but discovered nothing. Checked shore power lead all functioning. Started Engine ! and everything fired up as normal.
On further investigation. it would appear there where several power cuts while we were away, but I am at a loss to understand how Starting the engine would apparently give me full service again from my house batteries immediately?. I am continuing my investigations but if any of my fellow members has a greater electrical knowledge and experience, I would be extremely grateful to hear form you.

Jack Storm needs some manners when asking questions here. No attempt at any reply......................