"engsol" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 18 May 2005 20:37:38 GMT, "Gordon Wedman" wrote:


"engsol" wrote in message
. ..
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?

Regards,
Norm B

I've got the same units and am not using the fixed 12v output. Don't see
any advantage to this over connecting stuff to the batteries through my
circuit breaker panel.

After thinking it over, and based on comments to my post, I agree.
Not worth the trouble.
Question: What did you use for the disconnect between the charger
and the batteries? Fuse only? Circuit breaker?


Wires go from the charger straight to the batteries, no fuse, breaker or
disconnect. I don't think the Xantrex manual mentioned using fuses but now
that you mention it I'm thinking this might be a good idea. If one of these
wires shorted out somehow you would get a lot of battery current flowing
through a small wire. Good way to start a fire.
Don't think you need any disconnect like a switch. I don't think Xantrex
says anything about not starting your engine while the charger is running
and I think I've done this with out ill effect. As a precaution it might be
good to shut off the charger while running the engine. Can't think of
another reason for having a disconnect?
As you probably know, the battery charger has an internal fuse for each
output. If you short an output you will blow the fuse and according to
Xantrex you must return the charger for servicing. If you open up the unit,
a bit tricky, you will see these are ordinary automotive flat fuses that
just plug in. Fixed mine in an hour.