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Topic: Using a leisure battery

lopz

15/7/2009 at 11:29pm
Location: Blackpool
Outfit: Coleman Wyoming 6

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Hi all. Maybe an odd question, but I want to set up two strip lights in the back of my van (panel van) powered from a leisure battery. I have the lights which came with clamps to attach to the battery. I am fine with setting this up, however it concerns me that there is no fuse.

Do I need one to be safe, or is it not needed when all that is being powered are two lights?

We camp in a tent, but the van is the easiest way of transporting all the gear. My eldest children like to sleep in the van (it has a bed in the back) however I don't like them draining the main battery by having the interior light on - and it doesn't give much light anyway.

Any advice on this would be welcomed, I should point out that a friend has given me a leisure battery that's fairly new, so I already have that.

Good god I don't half waffle on...

tykey

16/7/2009 at 8:12am
Location: Sheffield
Outfit: Mobile Dog Kennel

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I wouldn't but that might not be good advice.

If it worries you, just buy a line fuse from your local spares shop and put that in the wire.They should be only a pound or two.

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naebother

16/7/2009 at 10:13pm
Location: central scotland
Outfit: aztec cantera 9 vango tamor500 vango

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Be careful with a leisure battery that is uncovered, as if anything shorts out the terminals it may cause a violent reaction. Some have been known to explode, it is just like an electric welding arc. If you are worried about running down the vehicle battery consider fiting LED lights which use a lot less power than ordinary interior lights

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John

lopz

16/7/2009 at 11:25pm
Location: Blackpool
Outfit: Coleman Wyoming 6

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Thanks guys. Following your comments I now have 2 questions.

If a fuse is fitted, will that prevent any kind of problem with the battery.

The battery is held in a battery box, the lid of which allows the box to remain closed even with the clamps attached. Is this classed as 'safe'.

Thanks again!

naebother

17/7/2009 at 6:30pm
Location: central scotland
Outfit: aztec cantera 9 vango tamor500 vango

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That box sounds a lot safer than a loose battery. A fuse fitted close to the battery should make it safe.

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John

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