Parallel Charge Circuit

[Georgedoyle]

I'm having trouble figuring out how this charge circuit works. No charge from the main engine alternator unless the circuit breaker is engaged. When running the generator with the circuit breaker engaged, it seems like the starting bank and house bank are charging from the generator alternator and not the Freedom charger. When the circuit breaker is tripped, the different banks are charging at different voltages. There is a red light on the circuit breaker that is sometimes illuminated and sometimes not. Should this circuit breaker be set at all times or not?

 

[Benny17441]

The breaker is just a switch to protect the circuit in case of a short and yes, it should be engaged at all times unless it trips itself or has tested defective. I have never had a problem with the utilization of different battery charging sources simultaneously. (alternator, generator, inboard charger) Of course I never ran more than one source for long. These "smart" battery chargers sense voltage in their output leads and ramp up or wind down their charging output accordingly. Also batteries may have different acceptance rates due to their individual state of discharge and charger output may be distributed to the bank needing it the most. The proof is in the pudding; are the battery banks being adequately charged? If the answer is yes , I would not worry. You may look for an electrical diagram of your boat and verify how the factory wired the charging system or see if any modifications were done at a latter date. If there is a problem and you want to diagnose the system don't forget to always start with the health of the individual batteries. Hope this helps.

 

[artboas]

The parallel charge circuit is an ACR which connects engine to house when either engine or charger are running. It is basically a high current relay which switches on when either battery sees approx 13v or greater.
Once the charging source turns off, the ACR opens, and allows the banks to float from each other.
So, if this led does not illuminate when charger or alternator are running, you could have a bad ACR
If you have the original freedom charger / inverter, it has an echo charge output, which Hunter never connected. It’s an isolated 15 amo start battery charger.
I reccomend the following “tune up” procedure with your freedom charger.
Unbolt it, after carefully disconnecting all leads.
Remove it from the cupboard very carefully,
If there is any dust near the fan intake, clean it well, just to make up for the fact that it’s never been cleaned.
As the final part of the “tune up”, take I’d off the boat and toss it in the bin.
Then install a Magnum unit.,you’ll never be happier.
It just works

 

[Georgedoyle]

That makes sense. I was wondering what the LED indicated. I was a little concerned because it is red and not green. I have noticed that it stays illuminated after charging stops. Now I know why. Thanks. And yes it is all original gear. When swapping to a new unit, should I Ieave everything else in the system “as is?”