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#1
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Battery charging
Thanks for the expert advice.. now a further clarification..
Having started the engine on #1.. and motoring out of the harbour.. say 10 minutes.. is it advisable/safe to switch to #2 on the Master Switch. Or must one first turn the engine OFF? To protect the alternator. JWBienko |
#2
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Battery charging
"John W. Bienko" wrote in message ... Thanks for the expert advice.. now a further clarification.. Having started the engine on #1.. and motoring out of the harbour.. say 10 minutes.. is it advisable/safe to switch to #2 on the Master Switch. Or must one first turn the engine OFF? To protect the alternator. JWBienko Your switch should be a "make before break" type to prevent damage to the alternator. That being said, unless you have a device like a "zap stop" installed it probably is a good idea to turn the engine off before switching batteries, just in case. John Cairns |
#3
posted to alt.sailing.asa
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Battery charging
Thanks for the expert advice.. now a further clarification..
Having started the engine on #1.. and motoring out of the harbour.. say 10 minutes.. is it advisable/safe to switch to #2 on the Master Switch. Or must one first turn the engine OFF? To protect the alternator. John Cairns wrote: Your switch should be a "make before break" type to prevent damage to the alternator. That being said, unless you have a device like a "zap stop" installed it probably is a good idea to turn the engine off before switching batteries, just in case. It's easy enough to test whether the battery selector switch "makes before breaks" with a multimeter or continuity tester. Good thing to know for sure. Personally, I have never fried an alternator but have also always put a sign over the battery switch and had a strict "hands-off" policy for crew/guests. Lots and lots of people have fried their alternators, so the danger is certainly real. 10 minutes charging isn't really going to make a difference so you might as well leave the switch on your start battery. You might also consider getting a battery combiner. This is a relay that brings both batteries in parallel when there is charging current, and isolates them when there isn't. This means that both batteries get charged when the engine is running, whatever you do with the switch. Fresh Breezes- Doug King |
#4
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Battery charging
I have a pair of small solar chargers that keep the
batteries topped off while I'm away. I start on a dedicated starter battery, generally motor for 5 minutes into the river , check the meter, if the battery is up, I shut off the motor, if not, I'll motor another 5. -- Scott Vernon Plowville Pa _/)__/)_/)_ "John W. Bienko" wrote in message ... Thanks for the expert advice.. now a further clarification.. Having started the engine on #1.. and motoring out of the harbour.. say 10 minutes.. is it advisable/safe to switch to #2 on the Master Switch. Or must one first turn the engine OFF? To protect the alternator. JWBienko |
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