Charging Systems

[Paul]

I am planning on upgrading my electric system in the off season. I would like to add a smart double-bank charger, an inverter, and a second bank of batteries.My question: in a system with a smart charger, does the alternator charge the batteries through the smart charger, or is the alternator still connected directly to the batteries?My goal is to keep the two banks isolated (with an emergency crossover switch, of course). If the alternator charges through the smart charger, it's easy. If not, I'll need a battery isolator as well.Thanks for any input!Paulsv Escape Artist

 

[Ed Schenck]

Not so difficult.

I will describe mine but yours should be very similar. The alternator charges back through the main battery switch. It actually connects to the starter post where the #4 cable from the battery switch connects. That is also the take-off for the 12 volts to the electrical panel.Thus if the battery switch is on position #2 you charge the batteries connected to that position. On my boat that is three Gels. If on position #1 the starter battery, a high CCA AGM battery. Place switch on BOTH and charge ALL batteries. Actually I have a battery combiner. Does not matter where the switch(or where the Heart inverter/charger) is connected, all batteries get charged. I go on the boat and immediately turn the switch to position #2, the three Gels. I start the diesel there and run everything else from there. Position #1 is strictly a backup.

 

[Eric Lorgus]

Be careful mixing battery types on same charger

I seem to recall that the charging voltages are different for the three basic battery types: lead-acid, gel, & AGM. Most of the smart chargers are switchable as to what type battery is being charged, but I don't know about alternators. Be careful in using one charging source to charge a mixture of battery types.

 

[Michel Sanscartier]

Do yourself a favor...

... and go to www.amplepower.com. They guy sells products but also has a primer on boat power. It's 28 free pages worth reading before making any decisions!!!m.