[C320-list] Xantrex shore charger

[Jeff Hare]

Hi,

Just as a word of advise.  If you're adding ANY fusing (*especially*
breakers) in-line between the alternator output and battery, you'd be well
advised to install a ZapStop across the alternator + and - terminals.
Breakers can easily be fooled or accidentally tripped which will, without a
doubt, destroy the diodes in your alternator if it happens while the
alternator is under any load (which is why fuses are preferred there).

Reason being is that if the circuit to the battery is interrupted while the
alternator is under load, the magnetic field collapse will cause a huge
momentary voltage spike. The rectifier diodes are meant to deal with 10-20v
at high current, but can't tolerate the 100+volt spike that gets created
when a breaker trips (or fuse blows).

The ZapStop (or equivalent) is usually just a Zener diode that acts like a
spillway to short circuit any damaging voltage spike.  Similar in concept to
lightening surge protectors in household power strips.

A fuse-blow/breaker-trip is equivalent to turning the battery switch to Off
while the alternator is under load.  I have my batteries safety fused with a
250Amp ground terminal fuse that covers any serious charging system failure
including shore power/alternator failure.

Cheers!
-Jeff

PS: Even if you have an upgraded alternator with an external regulator, this
is still just as important.


-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Larry Frank
Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2008 6:01 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Xantrex shore charger

I have added high amp breakers on both the alternater output and the charger
output near the batteries.  I also added a separate output wire from the
alternator to the batteries where this fuse is located.

Larry
WindSwept 


-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Kirk
McCullough
Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2008 2:00 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Xantrex shore charger

Thanks to all for the quick responses. I'm off to the boat show (Vancouver)
today to make the purchase. Not sure which way I will go,  but now I know
that either will do the job, and I just need to analyze my own needs. We do
stay on the hook for several days at a time, but then we balance that out
with a a couple of days dockside. For days when Boomerang is at her 
homeport, I have
never run the fridge when not on board because of the Pro-Mariner concerns.
So a big improvement will be cold drinks whenever I go to the boat. And the 
constant humming will be history!

The part about existing wiring size working for the 10+ but not 20+ may 
influence me.

I found a Xantrex manual on line and for both the 20+ and 40+ chargers they
call for a fuse on the DC side for each battery bank. I don't believe I have

fuses on each bank with the Pro-Mariner. Has everyone installed these as 
part of the project?

I like Herb's idea to mount it on a back panel, this would retain the 
existing 4 mounting holes on the bulkhead.

I have the 2 x 4D paralleled for the house bank on position #1 and a group 
27 starter on position #2.

I am seriously looking at the link 20 also. I understand this is much better

than the remote monitor they offer. Has anyone added the temperature sensor?

Kirk
#124


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jon Vez" <jonvez at comcast.net>
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2008 10:10 AM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Xantrex shore charger


> Kirk,
>
> I used the Xantrex 20 for a 400ah house and a group 27 starter (don't
> recall
> how many amp hours that one is). When I did this project I replaced my
> batteries (died and early death from the ProMariner) and added the
> starter.
> Very easy job (Herb's description is very good). The only difference for
> me
> is I did not use a bus bar. Instead I peeled off just enough wiring to fit
> the 4awg into the monel fittings (with Mr. Hare's advice)...has worked
> great
> for 4 seasons...
>
> Regards,
>
> Jon Vez
> Solstice #582
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Kirk
> McCullough
> Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2008 1:29 AM
> To: C320-List
> Subject: [C320-list] Xantrex shore charger
>
> I know this has been discussed already, but I would like to know what size
> charger is needed or best suited. I am considering the Xantrex iether 20
> amp
> or 40 amp.
>
> Any installation tips would also be much appreciated.
>
> Kirk
>
> Boomerang #124
>
>
>
> -- 
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.20.2/1270 - Release Date: 2/10/2008
> 12:21 PM
>
>