Single Battery Charger into Battery Switch

[uraldyx]

I did a quick search and was unable to find anything. If you know of a thread that contains the information please point me in the right direction.

I have a single battery charger currently. I am adding a second battery on Monday. I will be adding a battery switch so I can switch back and forth. Can I run the existing charger into the switch and charge the batteries based on which battery the switch is on? Or do I have to upgrade to a dual battery charger?

 

[chris41483]

will you be installing a battery isolator? if not, the answer is yes, you will need a two bank charger. really, this is the way to go anyway. with a battery isolator, you could cheap out and use the single bank charger, but you will lose voltage, and the batteries will not fully charge.

 

[mwph]

Im certianly no expert but I believe the correct wiring will lead to...The charger (a smart charger) will charge the batteries based on each ones needs. Only use the switch to select which battery any juice is pulled from. Again hooking them up correctly is imperitive.

This thread has a lot of threads inbedded into it...

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19787&highlight=adding+battery

Im not sure but ProMariner's website may have a link to a propper wiring diagram.

Just a reminder...Be carefull working with batteries both from a voltage and an acid standpoint.

 

[Nehalennia]

What kind of charger do you have now?

 

[uraldyx]

I will take a look later today and see what kind it is, it was in the boat when I bought it. Our local Sea Ray dealer will be installing the setup, as unfortunately I am running out of time before our trip to Lake Erie. I figured I would need to upgrade the charger.

 

[Nehalennia]

When adding another battery, if you're replacing the charger, get one that has a two bank setup and is made for whereever you're installing it. Some can't be in wet locations. Make sure it's a smart charger too. With a two bank charger, regardless of your battery switch settings both banks of batteries will be charged.

good luck.

 

[berth control]

You could hook up the second battery and not have a charger on it, just charge it only by putting the switch on "both" and the charger would charge both batteries. However, while this setup will work, it has quite a few problems and your batteries will not last as long, charge as fully, fast, or have the isolation you may be looking for from a safety perspective (keeping a seperate battery isolated for the bilge pump or fridge or emergency starting, ect.).

Basically, it would work, but it's not the best option.

 

[SeaSparks]

You should defiantly upgrade the charger. A battery isolator will give you about a .4 volt drop when charging, and undercharge your batteries. This will lead to a shorter life. If you don't want to upgrade the charger, you can go with a Blue Sea Automatic Battery Sensing Relay. This will detect when the charge is present, and automaticaly connect them.

If you go with a new charger (your best bet) go with a Pro Marriner. I have been using them for years, with no complaints. They are salt water rated, and have a nice warranty.

 

[uraldyx]

Thanks for all the information. Dropped the boat off this morning and talked to the service guy. For now going with the existing charger on the existing battery, no charger on the new battery. I will upgrade the charger later this summer when I will be spending more time on the anchor.