Parallel Batteries

[alaska_av8r]

With my new boat I am going to have a pair of house batteries, matched pair brand new that I will wire in parallel to increase amperage. Do I need to put a switch between them to separate them when not in use. I have read that they will essentially equalize or keep feeding each other if I leave them paralleled.

 

[jearl]

Re: Parallel Batteries

personally I would suggest installing one of the pre-wired isolators then you have the option of using both with a parallel conection or singling one out and having a reserve. these units are sealed and marine safe (spark free) as opposed to automotive solenoids I have rigged up in similar application for my house battery in my camper. good luck!

 

[Don S]

Re: Parallel Batteries

Moving to Electrics, Electronics forum

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: Parallel Batteries

you could get buy fine with out a switch
i agree with jearl though. you have many more options with the switch. you can shut them off, run each or both in parallel

 

[alaska_av8r]

Re: Parallel Batteries

I am actually looking to get rid of an isolator. The boat has one on it already but my alternators do not have a separate sense wire and the isolator robs some of the voltage.

For now though I am just wondering about isolating my house batteries from each other while they are not in use, and how much sense that makes either with an on/off switch on one of the batteries or as you guys suggested with a 1/2/both/off switch.

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: Parallel Batteries

just to be sure this is the switch i was thinking about



http://www.iboats.com/Battery_Switc...ategory--**********.272425601--view_id.216621

its the first one listed