MEP-002a DC draw

[dependable]

When I hook batteries up to the 002, there is a very slight spark when I connect the last battery cable. Never noticed this before, I'm thinking this is not normal, is it?

Any ideas where to start looking for the problem? I can just leave batteris un hooked, but prefer it to be in optimal condition. Unit starts & runs fine.

 

[Ray70]

A small draw and spark is normal. I believe it's caused by capacitors on the voltage regulator board.
The draw should not be continual and should not drain the batteries, it's just a small momentary charge to the capacitors.

 

[Guyfang]

Even with CB-2 pulled out? Try taking the canon plug off from the back of the control cube, The one that goes to the engine. Do you get a spark then?

 

[Chainbreaker]

That small tic/spark is normal when hooking up batteries due to capacitors recharge draw. I have battery disconnects on all of mine and they tic pretty much every time after leaving disconnected for any extended time and retightening the battery disconnect. As long as you don't see any significant draw on batteries running them down when connected and unit starts and operates normally I would say its fine.

 

[dependable]

Thanks for the replies, I thought about capacitor draw, but did not recall seeing a spark in the past.

I'll check Guy's tests when this storm is over, but suspect everything is OK. House was on the 802 for a while this morning, with the 002 in ready reserve, over 10K customers just on this island without power. The linemen got about half of us restored now, including me. Got to hand it to them, it is still pretty gnarly out there.

 

[Ray Cook]

Thanks, guys. I have an 003A coming my way that does the same thing. So far, I've left the negative cable un-hooked, just in case.

 

[glcaines]

I have an MEP003A and it sparks every time I connect the cables. The batteries never drain down.