Marine/Dial Isolator Assaistance

Submitted: Sunday, Sep 25, 2011 at 19:12

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tom l

I have an old forerunner that has dual batteries fitted with the old marine type isolator (Black round dial with options of 1, 2, Both or off)

After running it this way for the last years, i finally got caught out and forgot to switch it to either 1 or 2 and left it in the both position - result flat batteries down on warren beach.

I am trying to decide on the gains of fitting a new electrical isolator (Hate all things electric - prefer old reliable mechanics)

Now for the help, I actually thought that when i switched the dial to either 1 or 2 that it was only this battery that was in use on the vehicle, ie if i moved it to 2 then only battery 2 was drained from the fridge/lights etc.

But I cannot see how this works, anyone out there able to assist with a description on how this old isolator works - it still works just me memory going.

Thanks in advance

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Reply By: Member - Serendipity(WA) - Sunday, Sep 25, 2011 at 20:11

Sunday, Sep 25, 2011 at 20:11

I had one of these on an old boat I once owned. It will depend on how someone has wired it but it is supposed to work like -

Your starting battery is no1 and should always be hooked up to the engine to start the motor.

Your ancillaries like fridges or other power outlets you have will all get channeled through that isolator outlet.

When the outlet is on the no.1 battery everything is pulling power from that one, switched to no. 2 the extras are pulling power from that one and obviously on 'Both' the power is coming from both batteries as they are hooked together.

The problem is getting a charge into no. 2 which means when driving you have to switch to 'both' so batteries are linked and no.1 (which is being charged from motor) is now allowing power to top up no. 2

My advice is get rid of this whole system and look up Sidewinder electrics (he is a business member on this site) and buy his isolator system - he has a couple to choose from. I bought one from him a couple of years ago and best thing I did. It comes with complete easy to read wiring do it yourself setup. You can always contact Derek Bester and he will help.

I bought the Dual Battery Isolator (Dbi-140R) and the additional battery monitor. Just great. One time I left the ignition on overnight and flattened my start battery - the additional battery monitor allows me to switch over to the 2nd battery from the drivers seat and start the car. The whole system just does itself and makes sure my batteries are always getting topped up.

No connection to Sidewinder other than a satisfied customer.

Cheers

Serendipity