Dual Batteries setup with VSR

[rchtan]

Hi

I been reading a lot on dual batteries setup and would really appreciate if someone could comment/ point out where i could go wrong with the attached plan.




Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Dual Batteries setup with VSR

If the battery switch you have pictured is the standard off/1/2/both type switch, the VSR really doesn't do anything. When you have the switch in the both position, the batteries are basically hooked together. If you had the VSR set up so it would charge battery 2 while in the battery one position, that would be the same as having the battery switch in the Both position. Problem is, you can't turn the switch to battery 2 and charge battery 1 through the VSR. They only work one way not both.

Also in your drawing, the engine ignition is the same as engine as far as battery switch wiring. There isn't (shouldn't be) a wire coming from the battery switch to the B terminal on your ignition switch.

Have you looked into the Add-A-Battery setup from Bluesea? It has a switch that allows you to islolate your engine and house systems and keep both batteries charged at the same time. Which I think is what you are wanting.

I think if you study these .pdf files you will understand how it works.

http://bluesea.com/files/resources/instructions/990310020.pdf

http://bluesea.com/viewresource/1388

Just a note, the letter VSR and ACR are both describing the same type of item. VSR (Voltage Sensitive Relay) and ACR (Automatic Charge Relay) do the same thing, in the same way. The ACR has a few more options in it's use than the VSR, but they are basically the same thing.

 

[rchtan]

Re: Dual Batteries setup with VSR

hi Dons

Thanks for your input. I am really new to all this. I still cant see the different between the link you provided in your reply. Beside rewiring the +ve cable from ACR directly to the batteries bypassing the switch, am i getting the right battery switch in the first place? The package from bluesea doesnt seem to have the 1/2/both function. I got both the VSR/ACR and Switch from BEP Marine.

Thanks

 

[dingbat]

Re: Dual Batteries setup with VSR

hi Dons

Thanks for your input. I am really new to all this. I still cant see the different between the link you provided in your reply. Beside rewiring the +ve cable from ACR directly to the batteries bypassing the switch, am i getting the right battery switch in the first place? The package from bluesea doesnt seem to have the 1/2/both function. I got both the VSR/ACR and Switch from BEP Marine.

Thanks

There is no 1 or 2 on the switch. Its a DPDT switch. Two independent SPDT switches (start and house) operating from a single actuator. Both circuits are either off or on. Combined is only used for tough starts.

As noted above, you're looking at a DPDT switch so you have 4 contacts, not 3 as shown on your diagram. Contact 1 connects the supply to contact 2 starting battery. Contact 3 connects to house distribution panel to contact 4 house battery.

 

[Don S]

Re: Dual Batteries setup with VSR

With the standard Off/1/2/Both battery switch, you are only selecting which battery you are using to power everything on the boat, house and engine. If you are at anchor you may select one battery (#1 as an example) to run your lights and other accessories on so you don't run both batteries down, but you can also start the engine off that battery. If you use the #1 battery until it's dead, you can turn the switch to #2 and still start the engine. However, with the switch in the #2 position, you will not charge #1 battery, you have to turn to both to charge both batteries, and if the battery is really dean and you turn it back to #1 the engine could die.

Now the Bluesea switch is completely different. It's like having two on/off switches. When you turn it to ON, you turn a switch on that connects the house battery to the house/accessory panel and a another section of the switch that turns on the switch so the starting battery is turned on for the engine and instrument panel.
Now, when you go out to anchor again, you do nothing to the switch. You can now run down your house battery without touching the starting battery. So you start the engine, the VSR kicks in and starts charging both batteries without you having to do anything with the switches.
There is also a second position for the Bluesea switch that combines them all together should one battery fail, you could run everything off of a single battery. But that position is only for use when there is a problem.