View Full Version : Battery charging
Dennis
05-10-2001, 04:08 AM
I would like to know from all the knowledgeable people, if one were to hook up a charger to the cranking battery, while electronics were hooked up would it damage these electronics.
I have a 350 mapping system, x 85, Jvc stereo and the 225 Merc motor.
I have an exide charger. Sorry for duplicate post but am leaving for the opener and need advice
Thanks in advance
just to be on the safe side I'd recommend that you disconnect your electrorics from your starting battery while charging. However you shouldn't have any problems, but who knows, wierd things can happen. Do you have inline fuses? If not, it could be a good addition to your system.
Good luck,
Jawjerker
AquaMan
05-10-2001, 05:45 AM
If you are handy with wiring, you can install a switch that disconnects the battery from your ellectronics and routes a line to a plug you can use for charging. Perko makes one that runs about $30 and can be installed in a few hours depending on the layout of your boat and the access to your battery.
Either way, all the manufactures recommend that you disconnect your electronics prior to charging.
AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~
.·´¯° --- "It all begins and ends at the water's edge"
Eric@crowncomputerinc.com
Dennis
05-10-2001, 07:55 AM
Thanks Aqua man, I have a 2025 pro v le. If you are on leech I will see you out there
Yes you would be OK. When you have your Big Motor running, it is charging your battery.
RANGER
05-10-2001, 09:39 AM
Yep! You could have a problem. Actually, if the device(s) is/are OFF there shouldn't be any problems - but - then again, how many of us have left transom plugs out? The "problem" would be "cockpit error" but your $800 guzinta is fried!
The major automotive parts folks (Advanced Auto, Pepboys, etc.) sell "quick disconnect" devices for battery terminals. These are what I prefer because my batteries are very easy to get to. I like the Perkos' too and would use them if it as a bear getting to the batteries. The quick disconnects are great at the times you need to remove the batteries: end of year, replacement, maintenance, etc. and are inexpensive at about $7 compared to Perkos.
RANGER
"KEEP YOUR LINES WET, YOUR POWDER DRY and THE BEER COLD"!
Airwave(OH)
05-10-2001, 10:24 AM
You most likely have a on/off switch for your battery correct? Just turn it to the off position and you will be fine. You would be fine even if you didn't but for peace of mind go ahead and do it...
Paul Dickson
05-10-2001, 12:28 PM
I have been doing it for years with no negative consequences. The electronics are switched off anyway and all are fused so it would be very difficult to cause any problem. Maybe I have been lucky but it's never been a problem.
Good fishing.
Paul
baschut
05-13-2001, 01:16 AM
Many really good points about charging with your electronics still wired to the battery. Most are right, if the equipment is turned off you are in good shape, but switchs on most electonic equipment is digital now. That means they have no moving parts and they can fail. IF you have a master power switch that is all you need. make sure that it is turned off and you are good to go.
One more point, that is important. Don't count on your fuses to protect your equipment when you are charging. They will due you little or NO good. They are to (With out going into what it takes to get a EE degree) protect from high or over "current" conditions. Not from high or over "voltage" conditions.In fact if your unit is on when charging the higher voltage will cause the unit to use less current and therfore your fuses will be less effective.
The best way is to install a master power switch of some kind and use it.
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