[C320-list] Xantrex shore charger

[Jeff Hare]

Yes.  That's my opinion.  No danger, just adds more voltage drop along the
run, so that the starter will maybe see less voltage than the battery has to
offer when cranking.

It would affect trying to start the engine with a run down battery just a
bit sooner than if you had a larger gauge wire.

-Jeff 

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Jon Vez
Sent: Friday, February 15, 2008 8:30 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
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
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