Another Battery ???

[mailman1]

Short and simple. I have 1 batt. If I add another batt. JUST for electronics, how do I run #2 battery to my fuse panel? Remember, batt, 1 is already hooked up to fuse panel now. I have a hot lead and the ground going to the fuse panel. Should I get another fuse panel and run the #2 battey to it and disconnect the electronics from the original and put them on the new panel? Simple answers please. Oh, what size wire do I use to run from the battery to the panel, about 8 feet?

 

[DangerDan]

Re: Another Battery ???

On your start circuit at the main starter terminal you will have several wires. One of these wires runs to your main fuse panel. Once you find this lead you can run that to your second battery. this will run everything except your starter.(This was how I seperated my circuits your boat could be different) If you want you can install a battery switch thats a whole different ball game. Just so you know if you have a 60amp alternator and your batts are hooked paralell you should make sure they are always charged. Trying to charge both batts when they are very low could fry your Alt. I forget the exact formuls for the sysytem but I got it off the web on a research before setting up my circuits.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Another Battery ???

Your best bet would be to use a battery selector switch. Just unhook the existing wire to the fuse panel and attach it to the output on the battery selector switch. With this approach you’ll need nothing more than an additional set of battery cable to attach the new battery to the selector switch. This will also simplify the charging of the separate batteries.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Another Battery ???

You need to be careful here if you don't use a battery switch. If you parallel two batteries (one of which is the starting battery) with small gauge wire the starting current required by the starter is very high and what you draw from one battery an equal amount can be drawn from the other and you may have smoke and possible fire from the small wire. The weaker of the two batteries will also suck the life out of the stronger battery. Always best to use a battery switch, isolator, or combiner.