Battery charger alternative location

ithet

ithet

Well-Known Member
Joined
27 Mar 2009
Messages
1,655
Location
UK, Hamble
Visit site
My Dolphin All-in-one shorepower/charger unit seems to have died a death. It's measly 10a output was a bit low for my 270Ah domestic + 75Ah start anyway. So a new consumer unit and separate charger is now needed. This is on a Beneteau 331 where the unit was positioned well forward under the chart table, with the rear cabin mounted batteries being fed from a pair (plus neg) of AWG8 wires with a 5m cable run.

I realise that a replacement 20-30a charger will require heavier wire, and I am thinking that it would be more sensible to re-position the charger close to the batteries with the longer run being the less heavy mains cable from the new consumer unit? I like the Victron chargers, but as the new position will mean it goes in under the rear berth (or less desirably the engine bay?) I am looking at the IP65 or IP67 range - the single output would not be a problem as I have a VCR. I would appreciate any thoughts/pitfalls with he above.
 
ithet said:
My Dolphin All-in-one shorepower/charger unit seems to have died a death. It's measly 10a output was a bit low for my 270Ah domestic + 75Ah start anyway. So a new consumer unit and separate charger is now needed. This is on a Beneteau 331 where the unit was positioned well forward under the chart table, with the rear cabin mounted batteries being fed from a pair (plus neg) of AWG8 wires with a 5m cable run.

I realise that a replacement 20-30a charger will require heavier wire, and I am thinking that it would be more sensible to re-position the charger close to the batteries with the longer run being the less heavy mains cable from the new consumer unit? I like the Victron chargers, but as the new position will mean it goes in under the rear berth (or less desirably the engine bay?) I am looking at the IP65 or IP67 range - the single output would not be a problem as I have a VCR. I would appreciate any thoughts/pitfalls with he above.
Click to expand...
Good idea to keep the 12volt charging cables as short as possible. I would avoid the engine compartment if at all possible, heat as much as anything, give it a bit of ventilation!
Plenty of the IP22 ones fitted around in boats with no problem. However, If you are happy with with the higher rating, up to you. I would say IP65 more than enough.
They are good reliable, well proven products so what choice best suits you really.
 
I have just installed similar and worked on the same principle of keeping cable runs short. I only have 2 mains circuits, one for the sockets and the other for the battery charger which has its own socket. I have space on the CU for a third if I ever fit a calorifier. I only have a single output 15A charger which is wired direct to the 190Ah house bank. The start really does not need a mains charge although I do have a trickle charger permanently connecting the start to the house. I also keep an 8A smart charger on board should I ever want to charge the start battery, but it is mainly to keep the bow battery topped up in the winter. It is normally charged by a B2B from the start battery.

All simple and effective.
 
ithet said:
My Dolphin All-in-one shorepower/charger unit seems to have died a death. It's measly 10a output was a bit low for my 270Ah domestic + 75Ah start anyway. So a new consumer unit and separate charger is now needed. This is on a Beneteau 331 where the unit was positioned well forward under the chart table, with the rear cabin mounted batteries being fed from a pair (plus neg) of AWG8 wires with a 5m cable run.

I realise that a replacement 20-30a charger will require heavier wire, and I am thinking that it would be more sensible to re-position the charger close to the batteries with the longer run being the less heavy mains cable from the new consumer unit? I like the Victron chargers, but as the new position will mean it goes in under the rear berth (or less desirably the engine bay?) I am looking at the IP65 or IP67 range - the single output would not be a problem as I have a VCR. I would appreciate any thoughts/pitfalls with he above.
Click to expand...

Blue Smart IP22 Charger - Victron Energy

Unless you wet the bed a lot, it'll be OK under the berth

Unless the engine room gets very hot, it'll go there too.
 
If the charger has a fan, as most over 10 or 15A do, it can be a good idea to install it at some distance away from where you normally sleep, if you are sensitive to noise.
 
PaulRainbow said:
Blue Smart IP22 Charger - Victron Energy

Unless you wet the bed a lot, it'll be OK under the berth

Unless the engine room gets very hot, it'll go there too.
Click to expand...

Thanks Paul that's helpful. I was thinking if there's condensation or maybe some runoff from the stern gland that can sit in that area the IP65 unit might be a little more protective. Is there any disadvantages with the IP65 unit though - software seems the same?

BabaYaga said:
If the charger has a fan, as most over 10 or 15A do, it can be a good idea to install it at some distance away from where you normally sleep, if you are sensitive to noise.
Click to expand...

Well that is the difference I see between the Victron units - the IP22 has a fan. But it also has a night mode to switch it off!
 
ithet said:
Thanks Paul that's helpful. I was thinking if there's condensation or maybe some runoff from the stern gland that can sit in that area the IP65 unit might be a little more protective. Is there any disadvantages with the IP65 unit though - software seems the same?



Well that is the difference I see between the Victron units - the IP22 has a fan. But it also has a night mode to switch it off!
Click to expand...
If you need the extra protecting the IP65 is OK, as would the IP67 one.
 
Cheers, my worry with the IP67 is that it does not have a replaceable internal fuse. Anyway, it seems the consensus is that I should re-position rather than run a long heavy battery wire.
 
An actively cooled unit, will have a better continuous output, although in practice it's probobly much for muchness.

You could also consider a model with v sense which overcomes the issues of voltage loss on longer wiring runs
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top