FRANKIA OPERATING MANUAL
32
FRANKIA OPERATING MANUAL
33
•
The triggering of the residual current circuit breaker is usually caused by faulty insulation or a device
defect. If necessary, have the system or device checked and repaired by a specialist.
•
The toggle switch must never be held in position “1” by force!
Vehicle electrical system 12V:
If your motorhome is disconnected from the 230V mains, at least one body battery provides the energy supply for the
electrical consumers in the living area. Your basic vehicle has its own starter battery that is NOT discharged by the living
space consumer.
Both batteries are charged automatically:
1. when connected to the 230 volt mains via the integrated charger (The control panel must be switched on)
2. with the engine running via the alternator (for Titan and Platin packages additionally via (combined) charge boos-
ter, see chapter 4.6 or 4.7)
3. by the solar module if there is sufficient sun exposure (option) (the starter battery is also charged if: 1. The living
area battery is fully charged and 2. The control panel is switched on)
Charger for starter battery (option for M-Line, except Platin):
An additional charger for the starter battery is optionally available. This charges the starter battery as soon as the ve-
hicle is connected to shore power. Under normal circumstances, no intervention or settings are required on the device.
The charger is located in the passenger seat box.
Protection of vehicle electrical system:
The main fuses (MIDI fuses) for the consumers are located on the batteries. The position and function of the additional
fuses can be found under 4.3. In addition, the individual consumers are protected by fuses on the charger.
A battery from the MOLL GEL series is used as the living area battery in FRANKIA motorhomes. This is an accumulator
with GEL technology, which is specially designed for use in the hobby and leisure sector (see MOLL technical data
sheet).
(Titan and Platin packages have LiFePo technology batteries, see sections 4.6 and 4.7, respectively)
The essential handling instructions can be found in this, as well as in the operating instructions for the 12V distribution
and the control panel. (For Power Package and Platin Edition see chapter 4.6 or 4.7 as well as the relevant instructions
from Büttner Elektronik)
Additional information for the correct care and maintenance of the MOLL GEL battery: (For the LiFePo battery of the
Titan and Platin package, see chapter 4.6 or 4.7)
State of charge of the battery:
The easiest way to determine the state of charge of a battery is via the so-called open circuit voltage. The open circuit
voltage is the battery voltage in the state of rest. The measurement should take place at the earliest 5 hours after the
last charge. In the meantime, the battery must not have been significantly loaded. The open circuit voltage can either
be measured via the control panel or via a separate volt meter.
Open circuit voltage
State of charge
Measure
12.80 V and higher
fully charged
O.K.
12.65 V
75%
Charging required
12.35 V
50%
Charge immediately!
12.00 V
25%
11.80 V
0%
Less than 11.80V
deeply discharged
How long can a certain current flow - and how can you calculate it?
First some basics of physics: An electrical current is measured in
A
(amperes). The voltage in
V
(volts).
The mathematical product of both is the electrical power
W
(Watt) =
V x A
The nominal voltage of our battery is 12V. The capacity is indicated on the battery in so-called ampere hours (Ah). In
the case of MOLL GEL, it is the so-called 100-hour capacity.
Example:
If a 100 Ah battery is discharged with 1A current, the current can flow for 100 hours. Therefore 100 Ah would
be removed from the battery. With higher load currents, however, the removable capacity decreases. So in our example
the 100Ah battery with a discharge of 20A, only approx. 75 Ah can be removed. This corresponds to a time of 3.75
hours. If we now connect a lamp with a nominal power of 12W, the discharge current is calculated as follows: 12W /
12V = 1A. A current of approx. 1 A flows. A fully charged battery would last for approx. 100 hours.
What damages a battery?
•
Extreme deep discharges down to a voltage below 11.8V
•
Long down-times or partially discharged conditions
•
Longer operating times at very high temperatures
•
Opening of the maintenance-free battery
During operation, the battery should be recharged as quickly as possible after a discharge. The battery should be fully
charged regularly so that the open circuit voltage is 12.6V and higher.
Care and maintenance of the batteries:
1.
Check the charge status of the batteries regularly; recharge the batteries if necessary. Check the pole terminals:
They should sit securely and have clean, greased contacts.
2.
If the motorhome is going to be out of use for a long period of time, you should disconnect the batteries from
the earth connection (remove the negative pole cable). It is important to ensure that the solar modules do not
supply electricity so that the solar controller is not damaged. Regular condition monitoring is also important
then. The best frost protection for a battery is a good state of charge.
3.
Use every opportunity during the journey to recharge the batteries via the 230V external connection.
