Re: Flat locomotive batteries question

["Donald R Smith" <drsmith@iinet.net.au>]

Good practice should be to pull the main switch once the unit is to be shut
down.  That will stop any drain from any circuit.
I guess one would think that headlights, heaters left on could contribute
but most locos power these circuits from their auxiliary generators which
means if the donk isn't running then there wont be a problem.
However, leaving the main switch in still allows marker lights, cab lights,
engine room lights and other compartment lighting able to drain the battery
over a period of time.
A unit coming off traffic just after daybreak can have all these lights left
on and subsequently not noticed by the sheddie when it is finally stabled.
Jump starting from another loco is quite an exercise and can damage the
second unit if care is not taken.
Best move - when shutting down - pull the main.

Don