Nigel wrote:

I spent yesterday poking about and generally trying to work out how it's
wired, and I found what I think is a relay linking the switched positives.
I guess this if were my VSR needs to go. I also intend to fit an AirX wind
generator to keep the batteries charged, so should I move this link to the
non switched side. Once again, thanks for your help.
I've updated the page http://www.jassira.com/battery_switches.htm with a
few more pictures.


It sure looks like a relay, but what i find a bit frightening is that it is
not enclosed. A relay that has to switch big currents (don't know if this
one will) will have a tendency to 'arc' when the relay switches off (the
current keeps flowing through ionized gas) therefore starting relays are
encased and filled with a gas that minimizes this arcing.

As for your schema, probably this is where you'd want to place your shiny
new widget, but I am not sure I understand your wiring scheme.

I have heard/read about installations where the housebank where disconnected
from the starting banks by using a automotive starter relay. When the
engine was on (and the batteries chargeing) the relay woul connect the
housebanks to the starting battery allowing it to be charged.
This works most of the time except in certain circumstances. I guess these
are what your voltage sensitive relay widget is supposed to overcome. So
probably it goes where the simple relay was, but please refer to the
installation instructions of your shiny widget first.

Can I assume that the chargeing circuit of your setup looks something like
this?:

+--------------------[relay]----
| | |
| \ switch \ switch
| | : | :
(alternator) [starting] : [house] :
| | : | :
| \ switch \ switch
| | |
--------------------------------

I can also imagine a ciruit with your VSR that looks like this:

+-----------------------
| |
| ------[VSR]------
| | |
| \ switch \ switch
| | : | :
(alternator) [starting] : [house] :
| | : | :
| \ switch \ switch
| | |
--------------------------------
In this case you cannot replace the relay with a vsr, as you have a
different circuit now. But please draw out your own circuit before you
start replacing anything.
Be carefull with this stuff, a shortcircuit that is not caught by the
breakers can easily cause a fire.

--
vriendelijke groeten/kind regards,

Jelle

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