24v to 12v converter always on

[NEWFISHER]

Solution: build a rigid fused toggle assembly that plugs into the oe converter fuse and reach over to shut it off. It only draws 2 milli amps, but if left for several weeks would draw down the Optimas so I came up with this.

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[rmel]

Battery cut-off switch should obviate the need for this -- no?

[Jimm391730]

It only draws 2 milli amps

2 milliamps would take over three YEARS to drain the Optimas; they self discharge much faster than that. If it is truly only 0.002 amps then don't worry about it.

[NEWFISHER]

My thoughts are extended camping trips and the ability when the rig is parked several days to shut off the 12v system entirely. I have read that the 24v to 12v converters DO DRAW the system down when they are left on, maybe I just got lucky and got one with very little draw?

[rmel]

I'm still at a loss here, don't you use the cut-off switch? That opens the ground connection
on the 24V stack, dead, no current, no drainage. The only time this doesn't work is if you are
running an equalizer of tapping hot off the mid-point for 12V -- then you have potential
leakage paths to worry about even when the cut-off is open.

[David Dunn]

I use a different type of solution to parasitic draws for items that are only used for short term, that take the human ( or semi human ) factor out of it.

I have vehicle chargers for cordless tools that I have forgotten to unplug and have drain the vehicle's batteries. To beat this, I bought a mechanical bathroom fan timer/switch and wire it into a pigtail between the vehicle's power and a sockets for the chargers. IIRC I have a 6 hour timer, but are available in several different durations.
This will give you all the time you need for use of the draw ( plus some) , but eliminate forgetting to disconnect the item. Being mechanical, there is no parasitic draw, and fully automatic. I one I have is rated for 20a @ 125v, but if you have a heavy load application, it could just as easily be wired into a relay to control a load

[NEWFISHER]

This allowed me to do it at the source or converter that is mounted on the passenger side. I could have run wires over to the cutoff ( which doesnt work on my rig) but I had this stuff laying around.

[Andre]

I'm with RMEL on this one. I grounded my 24v-12v converter to the body and ran the hot to the post on the starter. when I cut off the battery cut out switch behind the seat, EVERYTHING goes dead. no parasitic draw. Unless your running stereo that requires constant hot to maintain time and radio presets.