Batteries?

[andyg]

Following the successful conclusion of my last request on Romahome 'legs' and the kind responses, I am about to expose (once again) my naivety and lack of technical expertise. Under the passenger seat in my Citroen Berlingo HiLo is a covered car battery with a white switch that lights up (red) when you turn it on. Alongside the battery is a black metal box which also has a light which glows when you switch it on. I have read the handbook repeatedly but I simply don't understand when/how this is supposed to function. I have had it on all the time when I have been hooked up but strange smells have come from it and it seems to have overheated. Is this battery/box only intended for occasions when we don't have an electrical hook up connection? Should it be on when we drive to our destination? Is there a connection to the fridge? It is very puzzling and as a non-electrically minded operator I'm anxious that I don't burn out this battery. If there is a simple explanation, I'd be glad to hear from campervanners who have mastered the mysteries of electrification.
Thanks
AndyG

[ant]

Hi Andy.
The under seat switches can indeed be left on, if there is a nasty smell coming from the black box it has probably died and needs replacing. Until you replace it leave the white switch off.
The fridge switch is to the left of the fridge ( when looking at it) normally has "fridge switch" written on it, check that the 3 trip switches under the seat box ( either next to the sink or behind the drivers seat depending on age of van) are all in the up position.
To make things easy I would leave all the switches that are for mains on, that way when you connect the van to mains the fidge will come on, the battery will charge and the transformer will run the 12volt lights etc.
Hope thats clearer than mud.
Ant

[andyg]

Thanks Ant... that does make sense. At least I will avoid doing anything terminal. This site is so reassuring. I'm very grateful.
AndyG