If it looks like this Richard, then it's definateley an isolator switch key,
I have the same on the boat.

Regards M&D

 

Brilliant M&D Thats it. but what is it actually for?
Richard

 

Rich,..... I'm thinking it's something that a previous owner probably fitted, to what end I'm not sure,..I can't think why the leisure batteries should be isolated in this way?

Is it possible to trace the wires to thier destination? these type of switches are normally used with pretty hefty cables, (battery lead diameter). If that's the case with your 'van, then it shouldn't be too hard to trace them.

M&D

 

M&D
Reading both posting he didn't actually say he had a leisure battery, I wonder if he's not got one and it's an isolater from the engine battery?

Just a thought

Rgds Ken

 

True Ken, but that model does have a leisure battery set up, or did at manufacture!..Rich also states it doesn't turn off ignition, that's the confusing bit! :?

 

M&D and Ken.
There are 2 leisure batteies fitted.
Does that help or make it worse?
Yours
Richard

 

M&D
I realy don't know the modelso was not sure wether it had one or not and thought it may just be isolating the living part of the M/H to avoid run down battery during lay up, however another thought and with no disrespect to "merpb" not knowing how well he knows vehicle electrics, is there another isolater switch on or near the leisure battery? ie the leisure battery isolater may now be turned off and therefor the living quarters lights can be controlled by the known isolater switch near the dashboard.

If one has been fitted to the engine battery, they may well have fitted one to the leisure battery.

Does that make sense?

Rgds Ken

 

Perhaps the wring has been changed so that the vehicle battery can either be tandamed or alternatively charged from the on board charger. Is this a possibility I know nothing about the original wiring of Hymers though.

John

 

Red Key?

These isolaters were often fitted in the eighty's to stop the main battery draining power so that the owner could not start, and were wired in line so the leisure battery or batteries received charge from the alternator.

 

hello
on my hymer S670 and the S555 I had last the isolater switch to the left of the sterring is for the lesure battery, both motor and lesure are in the same tray even if an older owner has moved the motor battery and fitted a second lesure battery the isolater is a good thing .
if you email hymer germany and ask for a habitation manual thay will send you one even for the older types like mine that has a wiring diagram .
all the best
Twodogs

 

My Hymer B544 has the same key just above the domestic fuses on the nearside of the vehicle. It was fitted in the factory. I think it just to prevent leaving lights on and running down the battery. The washroom has an almost theatrical illuminated mirror which you can't see if the door is closed and consequently the drain by the incandescent lights is considerable.

 

The washroom has an almost theatrical illuminated mirror

That's one of the things I like most in the 'van :roll: Little things etc. ...

I've never used the isolator switch but was told it did both batteries - will check it out at w/e.

 

I think of the "washroom with the theatrical mirror" as Elvis (The kings ) changing room.
Twodogs