Quick Background
We bought our 42' Navigator (powerboat) about 5.5 years ago. One of the first upgrades was a complete re-do of the DC system. The team here helped A LOT and I thank you. However, I did shortcut it some and I now need to fix it.
Currently, the battery destination switches and charger are in the engine room. I know they need to be accessible in case of emergency and I need to move them up to the living space. Additionally, the battery charger (a Sterling 60A) is in a nearly inaccessible space. At the time I was unaware that the optional "remote control" really doesn't allow much "control" over anything. Meaning, I can't change the charging program that I need to change when I run the generator. More importantly, 60 amps is undersized for the task of charging an 880Ah bank.
Most of the wiring is 2/0 and 3/0. There are about seven or so of them that I need to lengthen by about two feet, perhaps three for a few, to allow them to reach the cabinet where the switches and, possibly, new charger will reside. I really want to avoid having to run all new cables as they are well secured, covered in corrugated sheathing, and very expensive to replace. Is there any MAJOR downside to using butt connectors for wire this size? I have a proper FTZ crimper and will fully insulate, shrink, and secure them from vibration.
We are discussing this over at Trawler Forum, but conscious is mixed. Opponents advocate ring terminals and studs, but doesn't that provide even more points of possible failure? If done correctly, wouldn't butts be just as secure? That said... I *may* opt to use studs to provide a service disconnect for the individual battery boxes where the eight house batteries live. Others say there is too much line loss, however, other than engine starting, no extreme loads will be present. I do want to add an inverter (if/when I replace the charger), but even then, that will only see light duty as we have a large genset should the need arise.
Thanks in advance.
We bought our 42' Navigator (powerboat) about 5.5 years ago. One of the first upgrades was a complete re-do of the DC system. The team here helped A LOT and I thank you. However, I did shortcut it some and I now need to fix it.
Currently, the battery destination switches and charger are in the engine room. I know they need to be accessible in case of emergency and I need to move them up to the living space. Additionally, the battery charger (a Sterling 60A) is in a nearly inaccessible space. At the time I was unaware that the optional "remote control" really doesn't allow much "control" over anything. Meaning, I can't change the charging program that I need to change when I run the generator. More importantly, 60 amps is undersized for the task of charging an 880Ah bank.
Most of the wiring is 2/0 and 3/0. There are about seven or so of them that I need to lengthen by about two feet, perhaps three for a few, to allow them to reach the cabinet where the switches and, possibly, new charger will reside. I really want to avoid having to run all new cables as they are well secured, covered in corrugated sheathing, and very expensive to replace. Is there any MAJOR downside to using butt connectors for wire this size? I have a proper FTZ crimper and will fully insulate, shrink, and secure them from vibration.
We are discussing this over at Trawler Forum, but conscious is mixed. Opponents advocate ring terminals and studs, but doesn't that provide even more points of possible failure? If done correctly, wouldn't butts be just as secure? That said... I *may* opt to use studs to provide a service disconnect for the individual battery boxes where the eight house batteries live. Others say there is too much line loss, however, other than engine starting, no extreme loads will be present. I do want to add an inverter (if/when I replace the charger), but even then, that will only see light duty as we have a large genset should the need arise.
Thanks in advance.