engsol wrote:

I purchased a Xantrex TrueCharge 20+ for my boat. Since I only have two
batteries, I'm wondering about the advisabilty of using the third (unused)
charger output to run on-board 12 V 'stuff' while plugged into shore power.

What I visualize is a cable from the charger to a CB (CB1) switch, which then would
go to the primary DC breaker/disconnect (CB2)

charger ---CB1---CB2---DC Panel---Load
Batt---Bat SelSw-----^

Any pros/cons you see?


I really wouldn't do that. I dont know how 'smart' the Xantrex is, If
it is smart, it may limit that output because it isn't 'seeing' a
battery on it. If its not so smart, the output voltage may go *way*
over 12V. Neither would be good for your 'stuff'. Also check if its
rating is averaged over all 3 outputs. If so there is no benifit in not
taking your feed from off one of the batteries.




--
Ian Malcolm. London, ENGLAND. (NEWSGROUP REPLY PREFERRED)
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'Stingo' Albacore #1554 - 15' Early 60's, Uffa Fox designed,
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