Arcing Near Battery

[anyheading]

Last week while cleaning the trailer after a trip I saw an obvious arcing had occurred on the frame and door near the battery in the forward storage locker (see photos). I had stored a portable satellite antenna and its stand in the locker and assume it was somehow responsible for the arcing, although I saw no damage on any of the antenna parts. Has anyone else experienced this? Aside from not storing the antenna there, are there any other precautions I should take to avoid future problems.

 

[TucsonJim]

That's some pretty good evidence of an arc. Was your battery case sealed the whole time? It looks like it was caused by high current 12V.

 

[Cate&Rob]

Is it possible that this is from the end of the wrench used to tighten the positive battery cable ?
If so, a good example of why the positive terminal should be installed and tightened before the negative cable is attached.

Rob

 

[Steve and Cill]

Rob, I would tend to agree with you if it wasn't for the 3rd photo. If that photo is on the inside of the door, then the door would have been closed when the arc occurred.

Steve

 

[Cate&Rob]

Steve, good point.
Clay & Jan, if the battery cover was in place when this happened, there must be an exposed positive 12V terminal in this compartment somewhere. You should be able to find and cover this . . . likely something with a fairly large red wire attached to it.

Rob

 

[anyheading]

Thanks for the input everyone. I'll put some kind of insulation or barrier in place to prevent it from occurring again. Grand Design stated the dealer does the battery installation, but the wiring leading up to the battery I would think is placed by Grand Design. This is my first RV. Is the openness of the electrical wiring typical for an RV? Also, any suggestions on fixing the door?