Diesel Heater 12V connection

MikeJ · Newbie

Diesel Heater 12V connection

vince56 · Senior Member

Mine is connected direct with a fuse, far less exposure to issues with other systems.

Radar · Guru

MikeJ wrote:
Hi
I am about to install a diesel heater in my van. Do I connect the 12V through my battery management system (BMPRO) or directly to the Battery (with a fuse)

Hi, we connect straight to the battery though a fuse.

I would like to up grade the wiring, I think it's a bit light.

I have no idea about battery management systems, as I manage my own.

KJB · Guru

Diesel Heaters need heavier conductors than many reckon as they have a heavier current draw on "start up" than whilst running after start up.

Voltage drop on "start up" is one of the main causes of "Faults" in Diesel Heaters. So go with the "heavier " cabling, you will not regret the move.

Mike Harding · Guru

Directly to the battery with a fuse in the positive line (located at the battery end) and a switch. The heater draws about 10A for two minutes at startup so you should run 1.5mm2 or 30/0.25mm cable.

The fluorescent style displays used in the controllers of these heaters fade over time when powered up so it is advisable to switch them off when the heater is not in use hence my recommendation to fit a switch.

Are We Lost · Guru

Yes, mine faded to the point that it was unreadable in less than a year. I am on my second one now. It also consumes power just being connected.

Also, they are quite bright, so I put mine inside a compartment, otherwise the light would be annoying when sleeping. It's useful to leave it connected overnight so it can be switched on with the remote without getting out of bed.

Mike Harding · Guru

Are We Lost wrote:
so it can be switched on with the remote without getting out of bed.

Ya big girl's blouse! :)

I've left the controller under the bed with the heater, it was too hard to fit, nicely, anywhere and as the power switch I added is easily accessible I use that to power up/down the unit and the remote control to turn it on/off and occasionally to change the temperature although it usually sits on minimum. Once the heater is set up it's hardly ever necessary to touch the main controller.