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Quote: Originally posted by Darren545 on 05/8/2008

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The Conway's like the Pennine's are wired so that a battery is not neccesary if you don't want it. If you are always on EHU then a battery is not required, but as has been mentioned it is a good idea as a back up in case of a powercut.

As for blowing the transformer because there is no battery present; well I've never heard such nonsense. A transformer does exactly what it says i.e it transforms or converts 240V AC mains into 12V DC.

When your unit is plugged into the mains, and the transformer is on, all of your 12V appliances are running off the transformer, not the battery, regardless if you have a battery fitted.

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Thanks guys for all your advice, may get a battery to be on "back-up" but I too thought that it was okay to use on EHU alone.

Anyone else any theories?

One possible reason that the transformer blew when not using a battery:

The transformer does convert 240v to 12v but porobaly only has a rating of 10amps(this is only an assumpumtion) therefore if all your appliances are running at the sametime off your transformer alone it may exceed the maximum rating and blow. When a battery is connected to the transformer it charges the battery but only takes a few amps to do so. The load from your appliances will draw from the battery which is able to handle much higher loads(Car starter moters take a lot of amps)and wont blow the transformer.

Cheers everyone.

Ive decided to get a battery for backup purposes. Im sorry to have started such a debate, but iy does make interesting eading from you experienced campers out there.

Thanks again!!

Quote:

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I still think it's very simple, when you are on EHU the power comes from the EHU, and the battery charges. When you aren't on EHU, the battery supplies it. That's how car systems work, anyway.

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