Quick VSR question

[the_branflake]

Hello,

I'm currently looking at my boat wiring and have my eye on a dual sensing VSR (ebay- BEP one) as at some point i will have some solar power to my service bank.

My question is am i ok wiring the VSR to the switch side of my starter and service bank? I'm thinking when i'm away from the boat i dont want the VSR or anything else active.

When aboard the VSR can then sense both ways from engine or solar?

Or am i missing the point?

 

[pvb]

You're right, the VSR should be isolated when the battery main switches are turned off. The VSR draws a small current when connected, so best to avoid this drain.

You mentioned eBay - many BEP VSRs on eBay are in the US. If you choose one of these, be prepared to pay duty and VAT on import. If you add this, it's cheaper to buy in the UK.

Incidentally, although BEP products are excellent, there are much cheaper VSRs on the market; try Googling for durite vsr.

 

[nimbusgb]

Forego the BEP one and fit a Durite one

Durite 0-727-33 . Dual sensing, fully encapsulated, 120a relay and almost identical to the BEP one and 2/3 the price

http://www.thetoolboxshop.com/0-727-...ing-8096-p.asp

 

[the_branflake]

Thanks both for the quick replies and information.

 

[Boo2]

Durite 0-727-33 . Dual sensing, fully encapsulated, 120a relay and almost identical to the BEP one and 2/3 the price

http://www.thetoolboxshop.com/0-727-...ing-8096-p.asp

That link says 140A and doesn't say dual-sensing ? (The Durite catalogue page also doesn't say dual-sensing.) Good price though...

Boo2

 

[BlueSkyNick]

I have been looking into VSR's too and found the Power Store website very helpful.

If you look at this page, download the Installation Manual it shows a diagram how you can keep your charger connected while away from the boat.

You dont need to buy these products, I think you could use the same arrangement with others.

 

[the_branflake]

Thanks again, that's just about covered everything i needed to know.

 

[nimbusgb]

That link says 140A and doesn't say dual-sensing ? (The Durite catalogue page also doesn't say dual-sensing.) Good price though...

Boo2

It is dual sensing. I have one installed and I tested it on my bench with a bench power supply before I put it in. Basically if the voltage on either of the terminals is above 13.2 v ( iirc ) the contacts short together.

 

[Boo2]

It is dual sensing. I have one installed and I tested it on my bench with a bench power supply before I put it in. Basically if the voltage on either of the terminals is above 13.2 v ( iirc ) the contacts short together.

Well, that's odd because I've just had a response from Durite's Teccnical Services Manager which says :

No it is not bi-directional.

in reply to my question :

Please can you tell me whether your voltage sensitive relat (part number 0-727-33) is dual sensing (bidirectional) or not ?

Boo2