It depends on how you have it wired up...the charging system "can" be self supplying once its been "lit off"..
sometimes, maybe ect..

So I`d say, yes and no to the question..

it sounds like to me, you have a short somewhere in your wiring..

74rat

when in doubt..knock`um out...(or wish ya had later!!)...H.C.C.M.F LOCAL 6978

Flint Michigan..most dangerous city in the USA..come back and visit us..sorry we "missed" you the first time..LOL
"Flint 'Vehicle City' Now America's Murder City"

Officially #1..
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/112804/most-dangerous-cities-247