Electrical Question?

5B Steve · February 27, 2011, 01:56:53 PM

I have a question to ask, where is a good place that I could tie into to get 12 Volts on my 5B that is 24v system, or is it even

possible? I would like to put a plug in to charge my cell phone.

Steve 5B.....

babell2 · February 27, 2011, 02:35:30 PM

I'm not sure on the 5 but... My 9 It has a built in 12V plug up next to the driver.
Also the head lights are 12V so you might be able to tap off that supply to the switch.
I would suggest to find the source before the fuse and use a second fuse to protect the new circut.

thomasinnv · February 27, 2011, 02:38:44 PM

your 5 may or may not have a 12v source to tap into. if there is one present it may just be a center tap off the batteries in which case is not a good idea to use anyway. If you have a vanner that would be the best spot. if no center tap and no vanner than you most likely don't have 12v anywhere on the chassis. (don't know about your house system though)

luvrbus · February 27, 2011, 02:49:51 PM

How does MCI get the 12volt for the alternator without a center tap or a Vanner they have a 12v relay?

good luck

babell2 · February 27, 2011, 03:53:13 PM

My 9 only uses 12V for the Radio up front and the 12V power plug in the drivers area. The Headlights are 12V but wired in series to use 24V to power them. I do have a Vanner to keep the batteries balanced and believe that's where the plug and radio get their power from. All of the rest of the bus is 24Volt Alternator included.

Melbo · February 27, 2011, 04:30:32 PM

I don't always remember correctly but I think pin number 54 in the panel next to the driver is 12 volts in my 8

Get a multi tester and a good ground and check in that panel.

HTH

Melbo

luvrbus · February 27, 2011, 04:50:05 PM

Check these 2 relays 56-1538 or 56-1770 on the alternator circuit on a MCI think you find those are 12v on my 5 not real sure it has been a long time but 58 in the rear panel was 12v

good luck

5B Steve · February 27, 2011, 07:47:56 PM

For everyone that has responded to the post, Thanks a million!!!!!!!

Steve 5B........

bevans6 · February 28, 2011, 05:37:08 AM

On my 5C, stud 55 in the front panel is 12 volt. There is a small automotive fuse holder in the upper right corner of the battery compartment that should have a 30 amp fuse in it. There is also 12 volt on stud 6 of the AC electrical panel, but that's not very useful. There is no 12v in the rear electrical panel, although on a MC9 there is on stud 41. F1 signal for the alternator is supplied by the regulator.

Brian

5B Steve · February 28, 2011, 07:15:10 AM

Just spoke to the people at MCI, they told me EVERYTHING! on my bus is 24V.

Even the original radio, where can on purchase a 24V to 12V converter?

Steve 5B......

bevans6 · February 28, 2011, 07:35:04 AM

They are extremely common. here is a place: http://www.solar-electric.com/sa24voto12vo.html

I purchased one of these, it seemed more robust. http://www.solar-electric.com/12to24or24to.html

Did you check the fuse location in the battery compartment and stud 55 in the front panel? MCI may not have put 12v stuff on, but bus companies sure did.

Brian