[C320-list] Xantrex shore charger

[Warren Updike]

Improper gage wiring will result in excessive voltage drop between the 
charge source and the battery bank.  This is less of an issue with the shore 
charger if it is installed in the V-berth hence close to the Batteries.  The 
run from the alternator is much longer and needs to be sized correctly. 
This is even more important the more you rely on the engine for recharging. 
The result of excessive voltage drop is that the batteries may not get a 
full charge; and, it doesn't take much of a loss to have a real effect. 
Failure to recharge fully can result in early retirement of batteries. 
Unlike early retirement for people, this is not a good thing for batteries.

After I did the charging upgrade I measured the voltage drop between the 
alternator and the battery post.  It was negligible, at least on my meter. 
I expect this to deteriorate with time unless I periodically clean the 
contacts.

All I know about 12v power I learned from Jeff Hare and this web site.  Oh, 
and Nigel Calder helped too.

Warren & Pattie Updike
C320, #62, 1994, "Warr De Mar"
Frog Mortar Creek, Middle River
Chesapeake Bay

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jon Vez" <jonvez at comcast.net>
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Friday, February 15, 2008 8:30 AM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Xantrex shore charger


> Myron,
>
> When consulting with Jeff on my project, I know he feels the original 
> gauge
> was too small for the length of run/amps--but I don't this issue is that 
> of
> danger, just resistance and efficiency--Jeff, do I have that right??
>
> Regards,
>
> Jon
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Myron Welch
> Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2008 9:24 PM
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Xantrex shore charger
>
> Kirk,
>
> I'm interested in your project of installing the breakers in the line
> from the charger to the batteries.  I know this should be done,
> bought some in-line fuses a few years ago, but have never followed
> through.  I was not certain the fuses were the correct size.  I would
> be interested in knowing the part name and number of your breakers
> and how you installed them.
>
> Also, I believe that our more mature boats have much smaller wire
> from the charger to the batteries than the newer boats.  I believe my
> wire is perhaps 6, 8, or 10 gauge.  Is that true for your boat?  The
> wire is small enough that I had no difficulty attaching it to the
> Xantrex 20 charger posts.  Jeff and Jon, do you see any problem with
> the smaller wire and should it be changed?
>
> I have the link 20 for monitoring my two house batteries.  Jon,
> although you gave me the diagrams for adding a starting battery in
> 2003, that will have to be a post-retirement project next year.
>
> Thanks for any suggestions.
>
>
> Myron Welch
> Wind Instrument #238
> Iowa City, Iowa
> -- 
>
>
>