I have an adler barber unit on my B-361. The house bank consists of 2 4D batteries, -- 3 years old. Recently the refrig unit shut down. When I checked the unit the red LED light was blinking once. According to the manual this indicates low battery voltage. The voltage was about 11.5. When I started the engine the voltage went up to 12.2 and unit started. So I am checking out the batteries and charging system. My questions are--1. Does my analysis of the problem seem correct. 2 Three years seems pretty poor battery life--what do you think of upgrading to AGM batteries?
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Low Voltage and Battery Life
You are correct a single flash of the LED is low voltage. If you are reading 11.5 volts at the battery, that is where the problem is. If you are reading this low voltage at the refrigerator the problem may be in the boats wiring and not the batteries. Check the water level in the batteries to be sure it is above the plates, then charge the batteries. If the batteries charge up too quickly or will not take a charge they need to be replaced. When you purchase a deep cycle battery you are buying amp-hr capacity over its life span, and on this cruise it is going to have less capacity than what it was the last time the boat was used. A properly maintained $79 dollar deep cycle battery loses about 25% of its rated capacity the first year and another 25% the next year. The best way to evaluate a deep cycle battery is to do an amp-hr run test. As a rule the more expensive the battery the longer it will last but all batteries have a service life. The type of battery charger used with 12 volt refrigeration will also affect a battery's life. For more information on battery stress from chargers see that section on my web site at http://www.kollmann-marine.com
You are correct a single flash of the LED is low voltage. If you are reading 11.5 volts at the battery, that is where the problem is. If you are reading this low voltage at the refrigerator the problem may be in the boats wiring and not the batteries. Check the water level in the batteries to be sure it is above the plates, then charge the batteries. If the batteries charge up too quickly or will not take a charge they need to be replaced. When you purchase a deep cycle battery you are buying amp-hr capacity over its life span, and on this cruise it is going to have less capacity than what it was the last time the boat was used. A properly maintained $79 dollar deep cycle battery loses about 25% of its rated capacity the first year and another 25% the next year. The best way to evaluate a deep cycle battery is to do an amp-hr run test. As a rule the more expensive the battery the longer it will last but all batteries have a service life. The type of battery charger used with 12 volt refrigeration will also affect a battery's life. For more information on battery stress from chargers see that section on my web site at http://www.kollmann-marine.com
Sad to say
but three years is an average lifespan for most batteries. If they are really babied, you might get more years. Low water, overcharging, and high useage shortens the life span. About ever three years I buy new batteries. Just a fact of life.
but three years is an average lifespan for most batteries. If they are really babied, you might get more years. Low water, overcharging, and high useage shortens the life span. About ever three years I buy new batteries. Just a fact of life.
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