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Dual Battery System
Question, I just had a Dual Battery System installed on my 2002 Cuddy Cabin and I'm not sure how it charges both batteries,it has the following postions; Off,Both,And postion 1 & 2 , I understand the basics you use postion one or two to run the eng and the other while anchored for Accessories ,Do you have to put the selector in the both postion to charge the batteries while the eng is running, Is that correct or am I off in left field ????:confused:
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Re: Dual Battery System
Hi twospeed46,
Maybe a little to the right but definitely not in left field..... :D Having the switch in the both position would seem logical but it really depends on how the person who installed your switch wired it up. I use this system (Click here) and it incorporates an ARC unit which charges both batteries when the engine is running, regardless of the switch position and it also prevents the weaker battery from draining the charged one by isolating both batteries. Check with your installer and make sure the charge wiring doesn't allow the weaker battery to drain the stronger one when the motor is off or you could end up with both batteries too low to start the motor. :( WetWilly |
Re: Dual Battery System
Hi twospeed46, I have a dual battery system on mine too. If yours is a "Blue Sea Systems" switch, here's how it works.
When you switch to battery 1 and the engine is running, it will charge battery 1 only. Switch to battery 2, and it will charge battery 2 only. In the manual for the switch, it says to run it on both for emergencies only to get it started, then switch back to a single battery. So technically there's no way to charge both batteries at the same time while underway, without modifying your charging system to incorporate an ACR (automatic charging relay). Some on here have done it, and could probably walk you through it. Do you have a 3 prong charger outlet on your boat? Mine came with one on the transom. It connected to a ProMariner "Bat Sav'r", which was hooked up to battery 1 only. I replaced it last year with a new dual bank charger, so whenever I plug in the extension cord, it'll charge both batteries. I think I posted all the details on here, if not, let me know and I can answer any questions for you. Hope this helps. |
Re: Dual Battery System
I may be wrong, but I always leave mine on "both". It uses both batteries, and charges both all the time... almost like doubling the life of one battery.
One thing I'm sure of - NEVER turn the switch while engine is running! |
Re: Dual Battery System
To everyone that replied to my question about dual battery system Thanks,Info will help alot,I hope to have this issue resolved by this coming weekend,I will let you know what I find out
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Re: Dual Battery System
FYI do not turn the switch position to off while the engine is running. It will fry the alternator.
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Re: Dual Battery System
So there are a few different switch setups. If yours is a 1/2/1+2 then it works like this:
Position 1 connects battery 1 to the loads including starter/alternator and house loads. Position 2 connects battery 2 to the loads including starter/alternator and house loads. Position 1+2 connects battery 1+2 to the loads including starter/alternator and house loads. Most are a make-before-break connection nowadays for all positions EXCEPT OFF. This means the switch can be moved to any live position (1/2/1+2) while the engine is running. BUT IT CAN NOT BE MOVED TO THE OFF POSITION WHILE RUNNING. If you have a starting battery (position 1) and a deep cycle for the house battery (position 2) then you can start the boat on position 1, then switch to position 1+2 while running to charge both, then to position 2 when you are just running the house loads, lights, music, whatever. While running it is a good idea to charge both because the alternator forces the voltage. But when the boat is off the batteries may have different charges and will cause an imbalance which will eventually weaken the batteries over time. If you use both all the time it should be fine but if you want to use it to its full potential and truly separate your batteries (one just to start and one just for loads) follow the procedure above. If not then just keep it on 1+2 all the time and if you stay with house loads on for a long time with the boat off you might want to switch just to the house battery and save your starting one. |
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