split charging systems [Archive]

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snoop1

02-01-09, 12:32 PM

does anyone know of a good diagram on the net of the corect way they work

mikecouch

02-01-09, 12:43 PM

here's a diagram

http://www.freewebs.com/carawagon/Split_charge_relay.gif

we had split charging relay's in the work vans and they removed than because the secondary battery never used to last very long

Happydaze

02-01-09, 01:18 PM

I think i'm reasonably ok with electrics (not electronics) but i can't see what the wiring on that diagram posted above will do. Can someone explain it? I think i might be missing the point as to what a split charging system is trying to do. :rolleyes:

Cheers
Chris

D COUPE

02-01-09, 02:39 PM

A split charging system allows you to charge two batteries simultaneously. Then lets you
use battery 2 to total dischage while retaining power in battery 1. So has to be able to start the vehicle and then the system will recharge both batteries to full while on the move
EASY I THINK!!!

dc

WB54

02-01-09, 03:22 PM

a split charge relay is basically a low amp switch which is triggered by the alternator dash charging light which then switches the relay and connects up a circuit to charge a second battery. The reason you fit this is so that you can charge both but only discharge the second battery fully. The other reason is that generally the second battery is a liesure battery in campers etc. If you had both connected up, the starter would draw from both batteries. Leisure batteries are different to normal car batteries. They're set up to discharge over a long period not for large current draw like starting a car.

langysrodshop

02-01-09, 04:21 PM

Deep cycle is what your searching for Phil :D

a split charge relay is basically a low amp switch which is triggered by the alternator dash charging light which then switches the relay and connects up a circuit to charge a second battery. The reason you fit this is so that you can charge both but only discharge the second battery fully. The other reason is that generally the second battery is a liesure battery in campers etc. If you had both connected up, the starter would draw from both batteries. Leisure batteries are different to normal car batteries. They're set up to discharge over a long period not for large current draw like starting a car.

WB54

02-01-09, 04:54 PM

thats the ticket.

GlennC

02-01-09, 11:42 PM

Happydaze-what the diagram shows is that the "no charge output" is switching the relay "on" only when the alt is in charge mode therefore charging the second battery as well as the first, when the alt is not charging i.e during start up the second battery is disconnected, really you only need this arrangement if you want to run stuff without the engine running but want to maintain a good battery for starting the car with for example a camper, can't see why its got two fuses though and also 10 amp fuses would limit charge current to 10 amp (fine on a good battery) Glenn

import-racer

03-01-09, 12:36 AM

Deep cycle is what your searching for Phil :D

oh yeah....i tried them once....

http://www.oneinchpunch.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/underwater-bicycles-shangha.jpg

big al...:D

pjspop

03-01-09, 02:24 AM

Found this if it's any good !
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh228/pjspop/splitcharge.jpg

Nicked off :- http://www.marcleleisure.co.uk/Sund001/SplitCharge01.htm

:D

GlennC

03-01-09, 06:08 PM

Much better diagram, is there anyone out there thats dealt with this idea? i still don't get the need for two fuses, surely when battery two is disconnected the lower fuse goes nowhere when the relay is switched you just have two fuses in series (pointless!).
Is there something i don't see or know about?
Glenn

mikecouch

03-01-09, 07:14 PM