Domestic battery bank shows 11.8v, charger on «*float*»...

Good idea to get this sorted ASAP.

BTW what has the split diode got to do with the Sterling Charger, which has 3 independent outputs?
 
I asked the Berthon to have a look at it.

Split charge diode has gone pffft. So the charger is only «*finding*» the starter batteries.

New diode on the way.

The split charge diode shouldn't be for the mains charger, it should be for the alternator. But if you do need one, I've got a used one on the van you can have for nothing.
 
I'd personally suggest switching to a quality VSR such as Victron.

Noted. On the winter refit list!

ith three battery banks you would need two VSRs, better to fit a three output Victron Argofet.

In fact, now i come to think of it, if you really do need the diode replacing (still don't think the charger is connected to it). it would be wasteful to buy a new diode now and then change it in the Winter, the Argofet is a drop in replacement, as far as the alternator and battery cables are concerned, it just needs a light weight negative cable, connections for that are close by.
W
 
The split charge diode shouldn't be for the mains charger, it should be for the alternator. But if you do need one, I've got a used one on the van you can have for nothing.

Most chargers are single output with either a split charge or separate diodes internally to feed the different outputs so I assume it's the internal one referred to.
 
Most chargers are single output with either a split charge or separate diodes internally to feed the different outputs so I assume it's the internal one referred to.

Most chargers I've seen have multiple outputs. The OP has said he has a Sterling 1250CED, this has 3 isolated outputs. These should ideally be connected separately direct to his 3 battery banks, not via a diode splitter. A bit of rewiring is required.
 
Yes, it has three outputs. The two outputs to the two starter batteries were fine; the output to the domestic battery was not charging at all. I asked the yard to check thinking I might have inadvertently displaced a wire. They rang back and said that a diode in the charger had, most unusually in their experience, failed and should be replaced; they said they could get one tomorrow at a cost of about £100. I asked them to go ahead. I hope this clarifies things.
 
Yes, it has three outputs. The two outputs to the two starter batteries were fine; the output to the domestic battery was not charging at all. I asked the yard to check thinking I might have inadvertently displaced a wire. They rang back and said that a diode in the charger had, most unusually in their experience, failed and should be replaced; they said they could get one tomorrow at a cost of about £100. I asked them to go ahead. I hope this clarifies things.

Ah, OK, now clear. In post 18 you said "Split charge diode has gone pffft" which rather suggested a separate diode splitter.
 
In post 2 you said an internal diode inside the charger, that's not what has been diagnosed by Berthon.

Are you sure ?

That type of failure the first obvious failure point is a splitter diode, if that proves okay, then you move on, though that is from a design's stance.

Brian
 
Top