Hello all, What type of connections do you use on your batteries? The single lug with the wing nut or the regular battery clamp? I use the single lug with the wing nut, and I have a hard time accepting that I can get as much current flowing through that one hole crimp on lug that I could get through the old style battery clamp. What are you using? Have you made any changes? What was the outcome? I think my diesal would appreciate the extra power, but I don't want to waste any money if there will be no return. Also is it ok to use 2 dual purpose batterys for a battery bank (previous owner) or should I buy 1 deep cycle and 1 dual purpose? Thanks in advance for your input. Smooth Sailing.
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Battery clamps
This is an interesting question. As we all know, the number and type of connections (plus wire guage) in an electrical circuit reduces, somewhat, the amount of current available at the other end. I happen to use ring connectors secured with wing nuts on the two batteries on my boat, yet the experts state that wing nuts are not a good idea as they may vibrate loose. I have never had that happen. I think that keeping the connections bright, clean, and lubricated, and the connections tight, will ensure adequate flow of current through the system. BTW, you can check this with a VOM at various connection points in your system and gain perfect knowledge. Also, perhaps like you, I use 2 dual purpose batteries on my boat. Yet my battery power demands are miniamal: mostly starting the engine and running basic electronics. I mostly use candles/oil lanterns, and devices that run on their own batteries while at anchor. It would be hard to know if you need a different set up than the one you inherited without knowing your ampere-hour needs, but I would guess what you have is ok if the batteries can hold their charge and you maintain them properly.
This is an interesting question. As we all know, the number and type of connections (plus wire guage) in an electrical circuit reduces, somewhat, the amount of current available at the other end. I happen to use ring connectors secured with wing nuts on the two batteries on my boat, yet the experts state that wing nuts are not a good idea as they may vibrate loose. I have never had that happen. I think that keeping the connections bright, clean, and lubricated, and the connections tight, will ensure adequate flow of current through the system. BTW, you can check this with a VOM at various connection points in your system and gain perfect knowledge. Also, perhaps like you, I use 2 dual purpose batteries on my boat. Yet my battery power demands are miniamal: mostly starting the engine and running basic electronics. I mostly use candles/oil lanterns, and devices that run on their own batteries while at anchor. It would be hard to know if you need a different set up than the one you inherited without knowing your ampere-hour needs, but I would guess what you have is ok if the batteries can hold their charge and you maintain them properly.
Battery Connector
I had work done at a yard in Essex, CT one time and the mechanic said that I should use Ny-lock nuts rather than the wing nuts. I changed and have never had a problem (10 yrs). I have bought new batteries, though (normal).
I had work done at a yard in Essex, CT one time and the mechanic said that I should use Ny-lock nuts rather than the wing nuts. I changed and have never had a problem (10 yrs). I have bought new batteries, though (normal).
Wing nuts are fine
and it's my job to know. I would suggest using a flat washer between each term. lug and a lock washer on top. Remember no more tha 2 wires per term. If you get your hands on a new marine battery they come with 2 terminals on each post. Fair Winds Cap'n Dave
and it's my job to know. I would suggest using a flat washer between each term. lug and a lock washer on top. Remember no more tha 2 wires per term. If you get your hands on a new marine battery they come with 2 terminals on each post. Fair Winds Cap'n Dave
Thanks to all
I like the idea of the nylok nut, seems everyone is using the wing nut posts, so why deviate from the croud. Smoooooooth sailing
I like the idea of the nylok nut, seems everyone is using the wing nut posts, so why deviate from the croud. Smoooooooth sailing
Capn Dave
Outside of running out of space, what is the effect of having extra connectors on the terminal ? Not being an electronics expert, I have followed the method of the previous owner. What are the alternatives ?
Outside of running out of space, what is the effect of having extra connectors on the terminal ? Not being an electronics expert, I have followed the method of the previous owner. What are the alternatives ?
As long as the contact area is as large
as the cross section of the wire you will be ok. Before they had struds on batteries the posts were lead extensions of the interior of the battery and the clamp terminals were the method of making the connection. Things have improved now and they just don't make 'em like they used to.
as the cross section of the wire you will be ok. Before they had struds on batteries the posts were lead extensions of the interior of the battery and the clamp terminals were the method of making the connection. Things have improved now and they just don't make 'em like they used to.
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