What is a latching relay in an RV battery?

This is an Intellitec battery disconnect relay that latches. The latching is a mechanical addition to the standard relay where the energizing force either attracts and activates or repels and de-activates a stop or latch to keep the relay closed without the need for power. The only problem with this design is that the return spring is very thin and compressible and can weaken over time especially with rv/boat storage heat which can allow the relay to essentially close on its own when it is supposed to be open. Staying open requires the return spring to have enough force to keep the copper plunger plate away from the copper load contacts. To fix this you can take the relay apart and carefully stretch the return spring beyond its elastic limit making it naturally longer at rest. This makes it apply more force when compressed and it will do its job better inside the relay keeping the contacts apart.

[@waynehobson2956]

Just bought a used 2011 Fleetwood , got it home and this relay went out. But being a 30 year Master Electrician helped locate the issue. Good video sir!

[@tawakoni2010]

Absolutely brilliant explanation. I ordered one of these, had questions, ended up here, and did not have to go elsewhere. The unit is now hooked up, working perfectly, and my momentary switch is on order. Thanks for your efforts.

[@bendeko]

Thanks for the info .answers lots of questions on my 92 fleetwood southwind.

[@projecttrawler]

Thank you! Very helpful and easy to understand!

[@ryandunbar1314]

This is the unit I have in my 90 RV. In cleaning up all connections I broke off 1 terminal. I have to find a way to fix broken post rather than shelling out $62 for new unit. I've been bypassing it and my batts are dying while plugged in to shore power 24/7. Not sure if battery issues (old) or if my converter/ charger is doing its job (also old) magnatech. Thanks for info and pics of exploded view. Now I think I can fix it

[@joehappy9715]

No it is the Relay.Though I will Post a CORRECT way to Test while in YOUR Motor Home.Not Like DUMASS. Useless post with a Tonka toy battery.Look it is on it is off.We are trying to see what makes it tick ass wipe. Not you .The Ass that made the video...I will update....

[@drcoolit]

how long do you need to apply current to the latching mechanism to get it to switch? You seem to hold the clips down on the battery a couple seconds but I was wondering if you could just "tap" the power source and that would be enough to throw the switch. Just curious.

[@WichitaTV]

great, thank you!

[@johnhenry3870]

can you show me were th gas line and the Idle screw Is on the carborator 1985 454 gm

[@SteveOfTheMountains]

Is it triggered automatically by reaching a certain voltage? Or do you have a remote switch control? What's it for? And what's the place for power?

[@safffff1000]

My motor home just has a momentary push button switch, I don't see where it needs a reverse current.

[@3sons66]

I have this exact relay in my RV. For some reason there is a problem where 12V will open it and then immediately close it when power is turned off. It's on a momentary switch. Tried everything including new switch and new solenoid. Going to the shop!

[@simonchartier3850]

hi!! what was the problem finally?? I do seems to have the same problem today

[@3sons66]

@@simonchartier3850 I have no idea exactly what the solution was, but after I reversed the leads from the switch that connect to the solenoid...it worked. Makes no sense, but it worked.

[@glennreed5687]

Need to find fuses and check. Does anyone know how.

[@sherrineely5280]

hi I have a 87 Chevy 454 7.4l motorhome I had a couple different guys try to change out the starter and they left me with a mess. the battery relay that sits on bracket over the alternator they didn't hook any of the wires back up. well the first guy did but he fried the relay. so can you please show me a detailed picture of how to put the wires back on the new relay? much thanks Sherri.

[@Subgunman]

I have a several relays with similar markings. They only need power to be momentarily applied to turn on or off. No polarity reversal needed. One issue I have noticed is that they need to be mounted in a vertical position to operate properly. Most of the "starter solenoid's I have seen mounted in vehicles are in the vertical position. And in one class A pusher I have seen this relay mounted in a vertical position with only a momentary push button to activate the relay.

[@stevebigler]

Yeah he goofed in the polarity swap thing...

[@TRS-Tech]

@@stevebigler Yup... The worlds first polarity sensitive solenoid :-D

[@stevebigler]

Correct re the PULSE to bump. So wire the black to ground and the 'red' to a key on power source... and just a momentary pb switch.

[@stevewedeking7666]

You actually do need to reverse polarity depending on or off. Says it right on the manufactures website - rvpartsexpress.com/product/intellitec-battery-disconnect-relay-wfuses-01-00055-000/

[@movhs2995]

Does it got to be grounded for it to work

[@randyfarnsworth7825]

What the difference between this and a solenoid?

[@gerohansalas9046]

you said the leads are connected to the meter , is the meter set to continuity?

[@elecnut8211]

Never did see the plunger move. And how do you reverse the polarity in the motor home?

[@codymacdonald7500]

Elecnut you need a momentary dpdt switch

[@geoh7777]

Apparently, there is a double-pole, double-throw switch on the dashboard of the RV, marked "off-and-on," with momentary contact at either position, that accomplishes the reversal of polarity.

[@conductorretired7153]

yeah very smooth explanation indeed . nice design for a relay in battery oops. long lasting too. 95$ to replace yikes!!!

[@leeisenberg]

Thanks for sharing. Have you worked on 1 of these before? : kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGG2f4uei96Ze9E . Thanks again, take care, - Leeroy

[@1HSYURIDIA]

Just say where gound and power goes and easy too much explanation for beginers

[@CW_CW_CW_]

not a good explanation... but ok, thanks for the effort.

[@tawakoni2010]

Can't even begin to tell you how wrong you are.