Switch to other battery ?

[Guest]

Could someone tell me if my #1 battery die can I switch back from #2 to #1 or ALL position when the engine is running to charge my #1 battery? many thanks

 

[hlb]

Dont see why not, as long as engines are running and there diesel. Less theres something wrong of course, or may blow the alternator

<font color=blue>Haydn

 

[JimMcMillan]

Yes,but both batteries have to be wired through a diode to your main switch and alternator,a diagram would be best to explain it to you but I dont know how to pass it on.

Jim

 

[bryantee]

Depends on your 1-2-all-off switch,
If its make before break,no problem,to switch between 1-2 -all

if it has a field current disconect then you can switch to off
if not a split diode in the system will safeguard the alternator.
The alternator should never be left with an open circuit ,when it is running and excited!!!!.Now wait for the comments
Happy xmas to all our readers from Greece.

 

[halcyon]

First it depends on the age of the switch and design, early ones 1980's disconected before making, thus had a habit of blowing alternators if banks were changed with engine running. Later models have a constant feed for the alternators to prevent this problem.
But generally have the switch on both with engine running to charge all batteries and supply boat power, when you stop engine switch to bank 1 or 2, this leaves one bank as a reserve.
The other rule is never let a battery die, once you get to around 50% capacity, switch to the other bank and recharge as soon as possible, this will help give you better battery life.

Brian

 

[oldsaltoz]

G'day Juniorsailior,

One item to keep in mind, if one is flat it will cause the alternator to generate more currant, if this is connected to both batteries your good, charged battery will get the same extra charge. This may cause a problem, so recharge the flat battery first, then select both.

Hope this helps

Avanicechristmas Old Salt Oz /forums/images/icons/cool.gif

 

[snowleopard]

why have two banks?

nigel calder recommends having the whole pile in one bank. much less wear & tear to deplete one bank 25% every day rather than each 50% on alternate days.

 

[aod]

Re: why have two banks?

Yes I also agree with Calder (well I would wouldn't I) and followed his advice when I re wired the boat. I also put a splitting diode in but later changed it to a relay because splitting diodes are notoriously unreliable, absorb voltage (converted to heat) and are bloody expensive. A 70 amp relay costs £12 and does the same job.

 

[Guest]

Re: why have two banks?

I have six golf cart batteries (deep cycle 6V each), using 2 for each 12V bank, giving me three banks, all of which are in use at all times. This allows for constant percentage depletion of all 6 batteries at the same rate.

I have considered adding a pair of starting batteries for my Perkins 4-108, but to do so I have to put in a battery isolator which will protect the deep cycles from the starting batteries. But in the event that I had to move battery switches while the engine is running....its going to require the insertion of a little gadget called a "zap-stop". It is a diode gizmo that crosses over both poles on the alternator that prevents damage to the regulator and the diodes in case of an accidental switching by the unknowing...or an intentional switching while the motor is running.

I think it is best to keep all batteries charged up and connected to an alternator whenever the engine is running as long as you have the proper set up to handle it.

Reality is the cause of all stress!!