Battery Isolator
Submitted: Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 17:43
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Member - The Bushwhackers -NSW
G'day all
I have just fitted a Redarc isolator to my vehicle, to allow charging of the deep cycle battery in the new van, via Anderson plug.
When I put the multi meter on my cranking battery, I got 12.42 volts (engine not running). At the terminals of the Anderson plug, there was a reading of zero.
I started the car, still nothing at the Anderson plug, let it idle for a minute or so, then I get a reading of 13.88 volts at the plug. I am assuming that this is how the isolator works..... top up the cranking battery, then allow flow to the second battery. Am I correct?
I would sooner ask a 'dumb' question than visit a tourist attraction for, say, 6 hrs, and come back to a flat cranking battery!
Thanks for any info
Cheers, Dave
Reply By: redeye141 - Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 18:07
Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 18:07
Well done,
It looks good.
Go have a beer and rest for your trip.
Redeye
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Follow Up By: Member - The Bushwhackers -NSW - Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 18:50
Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 18:50
Thanks Redeye, made me laugh!
Glad it seems right.
Cheers, Dave
FollowupID:
719039
Reply By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 18:13
Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 18:13
Yes Dave, you got it right, that's exactly how it works.
When the engine is started the alternator charges the cranking battery until its terminal voltage reaches 13.2 volts (which does not take long) then the isolator closes its contacts to pass alternator current to the auxiliary battery in the van. Both batteries are now connected in parallel and are being charged.
After the engine is stopped and charging ceases the batteries remain connected in parallel until the terminal voltage falls to 12.7 volts whereupon the isolator opens its contacts and the batteries are isolated from each other.
AnswerID:
446648
Follow Up By: Member - The Bushwhackers -NSW - Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 18:52
Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 18:52
G'day Allan
Thanks for confirming what I thought was right. Looks like the difference between you and me, is you know what you're on about, I'm only guessing!
Thanks again
Cheers, Dave
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Follow Up By: Bonz (Vic) - Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 22:31
Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 22:31
Yep what All an says. When I fitted
mine I tested it and it seemed to be mal operating, switching at a much lower 12.1 volts. Fartyed about for a day checking and testign and then found the problem, and bought a new multi-meter .............
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Follow Up By: Member - The Bushwhackers -NSW - Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 23:27
Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 23:27
Good one Bonz
I guess I could have had that trouble too,
mine is only a $10 Bunnings one..... no sense me having a fancy one I don't understand
Cheers, Dave
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719075
Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 23:39
Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at 23:39
Always a good idea Bonz. If you don't get the expected reading change the meter until you do!
That was an advantage of the old analogue meters. they had a "zeroing" screw on the front that you could twist until the meter read what you wanted! LOL
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