Cable coming from battery?

[kaz766]

Does anyone have any idea what this cable might be? It goes under the van but I have found that it has been cut and the bare ends are hanging underneath the van. Thanks this is the first time I have ever written on a forum so forgive me if it is wrong

 

[Jev88]

Hi. Which of the cables are you referring to? I know this sounds daft but have you followed the other end underneath? Does everything work in the MH? Especially fridge on 12V with engine running etc?

 

[pappajohn]

Could be anything but obviously not factory fit.... Even British Layland were better than that in the day.
If its been cut it serves no purpose so disconnect it from the battery and remove it.

 

[Claire Ambler]

A DIY install, remove and discard!,

 

[kaz766]

Hi. I have followed the cable and it ends up in the solar regulator, so I’m guessing that charges battery as well? So I need to fix it then? Not sure if it has been connected since with have had van Thank you so much for reply

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[Spriddler]

My gobbledegook reply removed.

 

[pappajohn]

Reconnect temporarily where it was cut and see if it still charges.
I don't understand why it was cut when removing the fuse is far easier.
If you do reinstate it, reterminate that spade connector at the fuse carrier....what a mess.

 

[pappajohn]

I guess you are referring to the black cable in your hand. This would appear to be an Earth of negative polarity which is the same polarity as all the metalwork on the vehicle. It seems to be an extra Earth fitted for some reason but now not connected. Perhaps it was for a now removed item of equipment. If everything onboard works O.K. I'd just tape it up (insulate it) and ignore it. However, now that you have posted the second photo it does seem to be necessary to feed solar power to your Start battery.

It's black because whoever fitted it had no red wire.
It's connected to the positive battery terminal so can't be an earth.

 

[Speve]

Hi. I have followed the cable and it ends up in the solar regulator, so I’m guessing that charges battery as well? So I need to fix it then? Not sure if it has been connected since with have had van Thank you so much for reply

Make sure you have solar panel on the roof as it won’t do anything if you don’t?

 

[kaz766]

Thank you so much will tidy it all up and see what happens. Thanks so much

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[Spriddler]

It's black because whoever fitted it had no red wire.
It's connected to the positive battery terminal so can't be an earth.

Indeed. It IS Pos and should be red as you say. I was just editing my post following a closer/proper look at the first pic when you posted your correct observation.

 

[Richard n Ann]

Hi. I have followed the cable and it ends up in the solar regulator, so I’m guessing that charges battery as well? So I need to fix it then? Not sure if it has been connected since with have had van Thank you so much for reply

But you said it was cut and hanging under the van?

 

[autorouter]

It's black because whoever fitted it had no red wire.

Could be a non-UK DIY fit. In some countries black = positive, brown = negative,

 

[pappajohn]

Could be but I'd put money on it being a bodge with whatever wire was available.

 

[autorouter]

Do you have a multimeter? You can tell by measuring the battery voltage whether it is being charged or not. When all charging sources are not active (engine, mains hookup, solar) then the battery should drop to its resting voltage after a few hours. 12.2 to 12.8 is typical, depending on state of charge. When you reconnect the solar, the voltage should rise, maybe only 0.5V, but should be noticeable.