Charger lead

May 10, 2008
392
Catalina 355 Boston
Mainsail,
Just bought a new boat and my first project is to add a starting battery. I've done this on my previous boats, however this time I plan on using an echocharger. Once I parallel my 4D's, one of the legs from my battery charger (to the starting battery) will no longer be needed. My question is, am I better off removing this lead entirely, or can I simply add it to the house bank so both legs go to the same bank? The only reason I would do this is to avoid removing the extra leg and having an extra in the event I ever needed it. The charger is a Charles SP5000-30A. Thoughts?

p.s. apologies for the double post, but alas I haven't used this particular site in quite some time--
 
Sep 28, 2008
922
Canadian Sailcraft CS27 Victoria B.C.
I would remove it for neatness. The wire to the paralleled 4D's from the charger is all that is necessary. I am a fan of the Echo Charge and install them regularly, including on my own boat. If there was a problem with the Echo, although rare, the 1/2/both/off switch can be placed in the both position to charge both banks if your boat has one. This will parallel both banks until the problem is fixed.
 
Jan 22, 2008
8,050
Beneteau 323 Annapolis MD
I'd leave it in, but pull the fuse out. You DO have a fuse in those charger feeds, don't you? It might come in handy if/when the Echo goes belly-up.
 
May 10, 2008
392
Catalina 355 Boston
Thanks Ron--
I was thinking of leaving it in just in case I were to need it. Of course I have it fused :) but I never thought of just pulling the fuse-great idea. I was going to just disconnect from either end and tape off the ends, but this is a cleaner solution.
The reason for my original post is that I read somewhere that there is no harm in keeping both leads on the same house bank as it will simply deliver the shared 30 amps. I am planning on using an echo charger as well...
 
Feb 6, 1998
11,709
Canadian Sailcraft 36T Casco Bay, ME
Solstice,

The SP 5000 will charge one bank just fine. Remove the wire for the second bank and the single remaining bank will get all 30 amps if needed. If your particular charger does not have screw terminals in the case to remove the bank 2 + charge wire you can do as Ron suggested and remove the fuse at the start/reserve bank and the charger will automatically sense/charge the house bank to the 30A capacity when and if needed.