Aux battery
Submitted: Tuesday, Jul 16, 2013 at 12:20
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Member - Keith C (NSW)
Hello,
Is it ok to leave the aux batteries in the car always connected in the charging loop or should I disconnect them when they are charged?
The charging is done thru an isolator but the batteries don't get used until we travel, so most of the time they are not under any load. They are AGM and of equal capacity.Thanks in advance Keith
Reply By: Allan B (Member, SunCoast) - Tuesday, Jul 16, 2013 at 15:07
Tuesday, Jul 16, 2013 at 15:07
Yes Keith, it's fine to leave the unloaded auxiliaries connected at all times. They will then be maintained in a fully charged condition which is what is recommended for a lead-acid battery.
If you disconnect them there will always be some small self-discharge and if left long enough (some months) it may reduce the stored voltage to a point where the battery will be permanently harmed.
If you do choose to disconnect them, it is wise to place them on charge about once a month or so in order to keep them in a charged state until again needed for use.
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Reply By: bluefella - Tuesday, Jul 16, 2013 at 16:05
Tuesday, Jul 16, 2013 at 16:05
Hi Keith
I leave
mine connected, never had a problem. The alternator will work a bit harder to maintain the extras, I wouldn't reckon by much, maybe a sparkie member can help with us with the alt. bit.
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Follow Up By: bluefella - Tuesday, Jul 16, 2013 at 16:08
Tuesday, Jul 16, 2013 at 16:08
or maybe visitor,
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Follow Up By: Allan B (Member, SunCoast) - Tuesday, Jul 16, 2013 at 16:38
Tuesday, Jul 16, 2013 at 16:38
The alternator will work no harder Blue. After all, it only has to replace the energy drawn from the auxiliary battery and if as Keith said, the batteries are not being used, then there is virtually nothing to replace.
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794041