What's new
Van's Air Force

Don't miss anything! Register now for full access to the definitive RV support community.

Master solenoid gets hot

drakerv

Active Member
Has anyone noticed their master solenoid getting hot while testing panel instruments and radios on the ground. Thanks
Marc
 
yep..

Yep, normal..Every one I have seen gets really warm. Ever wonder why the battery runs down so fast with the master is left on, and nothing powered?
The heat worried me the first time I saw it too. (Almost as hot as an RV-10 tunnel...haha..sorry, could not resist.
Glen
 
Ouch

Yea it draws 3/4 to 1 amp at 14.5 volts. That is 11-14 watts. It kind of sucks to use all that electricity to just hold the battery contactor.

I looked into 5 ways to eliminate this device or replace it, but bottom line it is cheap, works and is pretty fail safe. You can upgrade to a kilovac $150 magnetic semi-latching heavy duty relay, which only uses milliamps to remain close, but not sure it's worth it. Just the nature of the beast.
 
Back
Top