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should I leave my battery switches on "on" if my charger is plugged in?
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should I leave my battery switches on "on" if my charger is plugged in?
I have 2 batteries on my cc and a dual battery charger that I plug into a 120v that is supposed to keep them charged. I didn't rig this boat so I don't know if that would make a difference, but I am not sure if I should have the batteries switches on the "off" position or on the "2" position in order to keep them charging when not in use.
I have 2 batteries on my cc and a dual battery charger that I plug into a 120v that is supposed to keep them charged. I didn't rig this boat so I don't know if that would make a difference, but I am not sure if I should have the batteries switches on the "off" position or on the "2" position in order to keep them charging when not in use.
any pointers would be greatly appreciated.
LB
It should not matter what posistion the switch is in. They should charge regardless. At least that is how I have seen it on every boat i have been on.
I always turn the battery switch off, don't know why......but it works fine... YOu would have leads on both batteries, so it should not matter if they are on or off.
It is my understanding that a properly wired system has the battery charger connected directly to the batteries. This assumes that each battery has a charging lead. This occurs before the switch. The switch is used to control power from the batteries to the electrical loads of the boat.
Of course, I'm sure that there are different ways to do this, but this is my understanding for a basic setup.
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David
Sold (thanks Angler's Edge): '81 Grady White Bimini 220 w/ '93 Evinrude 200
Depends on if you have a 1 bank or 2 bank charger. If you have a 2 bank charger with a lead to each battery then you will be fine with the switch in on off 1 2 doesnt matter. If you have 1 hooked to the switch then you need it to be on both or if you have it hooked to one battery you need to have it on both unless you only want to charge 1 battery
__________________ 2008 2530 Parker w/twin 225 Yamis - Sold
2006 38 TE Fountain Triple 275 Verados - Sold
2004 32 Sea Vee Twin 250xs
If your charger is a 2 bank and is wired correctly I would turn the battery switch off. There is no point in leaving it on. You are running the risk of having an electrical fire by leaving the switch in the on position.
With a volt meter on each battery post direct you can check pretty quickly if the batteries are being charged. They should be charging regardless of the switch position. Once you know they are being charged with the switch off, I would leave it off.
Better check it. Right now I have two boats- on one I installed the system and leads go directly to the batteries per sellers instructions. I recently bought a 1977 Stamas with an older system, and the power comes through the battery switches and they have to be on.
Better check it. Right now I have two boats- on one I installed the system and leads go directly to the batteries per sellers instructions. I recently bought a 1977 Stamas with an older system, and the power comes through the battery switches and they have to be on.
x2 - the only way to know for certain is to see how it is wired.
With a volt meter on each battery post direct you can check pretty quickly if the batteries are being charged. They should be charging regardless of the switch position. Once you know they are being charged with the switch off, I would leave it off.
My batteries resting ar 12.2 to 12.4. How would I know the charger is working; what would the meter say?
__________________ "In My Dreams"
2012 36 Yellowfin triple 300 Verado's
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Wrightsville Beach, NC
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My charger does all three batteries regardless if they are on or off. Bilge pumps and stereo wired directly to "house" battery (which can still be off) to maintain radio pre-sets and water intrusion protection via auto bilge (make sure your battery switch can be off and stll have bilge pump(s) function). If I want to run refrigeration then need to leave the house batter in the on position but all three still being charged as needed.
As others have said, need to have a look or use meter to be sure.
Keith
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2009 Chris Craft 28'
Twin Mag 350s Bravo 3s
'07 C6 Corvette
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Last edited by Keith ChrisCraft; 11-19-2009 at 02:34 PM.
Reason: info
My batteries resting ar 12.2 to 12.4. How would I know the charger is working; what would the meter say?
Depends on the type of charger, battery type and their condition but typically at least 12.9 and as high as 14.7 or so. Most chargers are wired directly to the batteries either at the battery posts or at the battery input terminals at the battery switch. Having to leave your main switch on to charge the batteries is not a recommended method.
One item, make sure your aren't cutting the juice to your auto pump when you switch to OFF. I know it sounds silly but you would be suprised how many folks never check this.
I have 2 batteries on my cc and a dual battery charger that I plug into a 120v that is supposed to keep them charged. I didn't rig this boat so I don't know if that would make a difference, but I am not sure if I should have the batteries switches on the "off" position or on the "2" position in order to keep them charging when not in use.
any pointers would be greatly appreciated.
LB
A couple people already said it, but you have to tell us how the charger is connected to the boat and batteries before anyone can answer your question.
If you have to plug the charger in, I suspect it's an addition by a previous owner, not the manufacturer. It could be connected any number of ways, several of them "wrong" ways.
should I leave my battery switches on "on" if my charger is plugged in? 
