View Full Version : Charging Batteries 12/24 V System
Sundance
11-11-2002, 03:51 PM
Is it OK to charge the batteries(24V) with the trolling motor still plugged in? In the past I have always unplugged it when I was finished using it and never gave it much thought until the recepticle(Marinco 12/24) became too worn needed replaced....ordered a new one last night but....
Now I'm thinking about just leaving it plugged in ALWAYS unless there is a problem with charging.
gATE KEEPER
11-11-2002, 05:43 PM
I always unplug the bow trolling motor at the end of the day, just because I'm afaid of cargo in the bow shifting while I'm trailering home. Hate to burn out the electric motor on the drive home and not notice that something had hit the power switch and drove all the way home with it on.
BlackSilver
11-11-2002, 05:52 PM
It's probably perfectly OK to charge without disconnecting your TM or electronics. Having said that, I *always* disconnect because it's so easy to do and I don't trust the charger not to pop a couple of voltage spikes on to the bus.
Cheap insurance.
Walk softly and carry a big fish.
Hans/MN
Road King
11-11-2002, 08:22 PM
MinnKota recommends you unplug their trolling motor because some chargers can cause damage if they don't filter enough of the pulses out.
Sundance
11-12-2002, 05:30 AM
All good points. Thanks.
I guess replacing a $35 recepticle is much better than replacing a $600 trolling motor!
Think about this -
How many million cars are driving around the world with 6,12, 24 and 36 volt batteries in them. Virtually all of them have an on board charging system. Generator, alternator or other.
Probably less than .000000001 % of any thing is ever disconnected - while the battery is charged on their vehicle.
So - from a reasonable reason - there is certainly no electrical need to disconnect the battery.
However - Minnkota does have a good point. Most boat trolling motor batteries are charged from 110 volts of AC voltage. There is always the possibility of a charger failure - -- although it is very slight. In the event of a very bad "SHORT" in a charger - which puts 110V of AC voltage on a 12v DC battery and trolling motor -- the results would be spectacular and expensive to repair. Normally it is no big deal to unplug the battery, so you may as well do so.
Another good point mentioned above, is the possibility of a trolling motor getting turned on - while under way - if there isn't an automatic shut off - during stowing time. Another good reason to unplug - when done fishing.
Take care
REW