What is this ?

[arjand]

It was on one side connected to a power bus (I hope I spell that correctly) and to nothing on the other side, at least since I repowered. I tried to google it but that does not get me anywhere. It does not move and seems harmless but it would be nice to know if it had a vital function yes or no.....

[arjand]

it might have been connected to the old engine (I repowered and did not do that myself)....

[Lagoon4us]

A capacitor????? Looks like one of an electric motor?????

[hpeer]

It clearly is a capacitor, and a big one.

I suspect that that the unused terminal went to ground.

Connected as such it would provide a path to ground for any "noise" while not effecting the desired DC.

[Jetexas]

It's a capacitor, but for what I'm not sure. It might have been previously connected to an A/Cor refrigerator compressor.

[Blue Stocking]

Capacitor--probably used to filter EMI noise.

[captain465]

Absolutly correct on the capacitor........I don't know how long it's been disconnected, but I would still be wary of getting accross both terminals at the same time!!! Use a jumper or a screwdriver to short accross the terminals to discharge whatever charge may still be there.

[arjand]

Thank you!
Question: if it came from a positive side, it did not for sure go to ground correct?
Second: I still have fridge with 12V engine, could it have been used to 'filter' fluctuations out of electricity to protect engine?
Thanks again!! Arjan

[arjand]

One more follow up: If it is the capacitator in this plan, what does it do?

[Reefmagnet]

Capacitors only pass AC voltages - they will block DC so it most probably is connected to ground as shown in the diagram and at a guess is acting as a filter to prevent AC noise on the DC circuit. Maybe the charger upset the radio or the TV or something like that at one point and this was the fix. The diagram is a bit muddy, but it may have also been used to keep a DC voltage on the circuit during battery switch overs (a capacitor also acts like a very low capacity battery). The fuse connected to it is a bit odd.

[sy_gilana]

That is one fat cap! You could use that as a surge suppressor on any 12v load that pulls high peak loads for short periods. IF it was wired across the terminals of the fridge motor +to+ and -to- it was to help the fridge motor start by supplying enough energy to overcome starting torque.

[arjand]

thank you thank you thank you!!

If I understand correctly: nothing will blow up if I take this away for now. I am never connected to shore power (wind and solar) so I am not overly worried about AC noise. (and I like to increase the simplicity of the system).

[sy_gilana]

UNLESS of course the wiring is too small to the fridge, and you start popping the breaker/fuse. Try it, but don't dump it for a week or two in case its there for a reason..

[hpeer]

Originally Posted by arjand

One more follow up: If it is the capacitator in this plan, what does it do?

I think I would throw that drawing away.

More likely to get you into trouble than to help.

Make your own drawing, then you will know the system better.

[medicrene]

It's a capaciter. I had one installed aftermarket on my former boat by the original owner. It was used to prevent electrical surge to electronic components.

The Witchdoctor.