Battery Disconnect and Connecting to AC Power

[navman28]

Can the battery stay disconnected when hooking up to AC power?

[5picker]

It can but some converters do not handle 'no load' situations (battery disconnected) very well. (high voltage output)

I recommend the battery(ies) remain connected while on shore power.
Just remember to check the electrolyte as often as needed.

[navman28]

Thanks. Just trying to figure out if last week when I plugged in to ac power and noticed smoke from the converter area was caused by connecting ac power with the battery disconnected or by the 220V from the ac power source. My vote is on the 220v as the cause.

[5picker]

220v on a 30 amp 110 circuit will let the smoke out for sure!

[5picker]

Check other things too. Most likely several things fried.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by navman28

Thanks. Just trying to figure out if last week when I plugged in to ac power and noticed smoke from the converter area was caused by connecting ac power with the battery disconnected or by the 220V from the ac power source. My vote is on the 220v as the cause.

We're hoping you're one of many people who are confused by RV electrical outlets and that you didn't actually hook up to a 220v power source. Can you post a picture of the outlet you used?

[Exlimey]

The battery acts as a capacitor/filter for the converter DC output. Without it, you'll get excessive ripple voltage on the 12 DC output. I wouldn't operate on shore power without the battery connected. Also, I'm betting that some of the electronics in the camper don't like the ripple.