Actually, I was honestly wondering if there was a specific reason. I had been
given that advice many years ago (always disconnect shore power before starting)
but in fact I have done it many times with no ill affects. Since my system
frequently has several charging devices running (2 alternators + solar) I would
think that the only item at risk would be the shore power charger, a Heart 2000.
I've scanned the manual and found nothing warning against starting the engine
while the charger is running, but perhaps I missed something.

I can think of two problems: first is the possibility of starting with a dead
battery so the full load is on the charger. Of course, my presumption is that
the boat has been on shore power for a while, and a dead battery is unlikely.
The other is that different "smart" regulators and chargers will get conflicting
signals as to the charge state - from time to time I've had my big alternator
with its smart regulator decide to go into float mode and the load shifts over
to the other smaller alternator.

However, neither of these issues are a real concern if all I'm doing is running
the engines at the dock for some test. So I'll repeat the question: Why must
you remove the shore power before starting? What is at risk? Is this a
holdover from the days of more primitive equipment?



"Gould 0738" wrote in message
...
And why is that? Do I have to disconnect my solar panels when I run the
engine?

Assuming you have a photovoltaic charge controller, ordinarily not. AFAIK. As
an unaplogetic ol'stinkpotter, I'm not extremely well acquainted with solar
panels. You would be better prepared to discuss them than I.

Beyond that, I'm not interested in firing up another anal retentive ****ing
contest of dueling websites with you, Jeff.

If you have a contrasting opinion that it is advisable to run the battery
charger and the alternator at the same time, please present it.