[C320-list] Battery Charger Mystery

[Alan Goodman]

Just to weigh in, my charger is located under the V-berth, starboard side, bolted to the V-berth / salon bulkhead.  A couple of points to consider: (i) easy to access by the door under the V-berth, no cushions etc to mess with, (ii) need the bulkhead cutout for running the wires to the battery bank sealed to prevent hydrogen gas from battery charging to reach the charger (since my batteries are located under starboard settee directly adjacent to the bulkhead, there is a potential hydrogen explosion hazard if bulkhead not sealed), (iii) places the charger very close to the battery bank limiting cable run and wire cost (longer runs require heavier gauge wire at the same current in DC circuits), and (iv) battery charger produces heat when operating, so a small enclosed space is not a good location for mounting the charger (space under V-berth is large).  While the space where my charger is located does get noticeably warm (big battery load exceeding 500AH capacity), it has never tripped the charger's thermal protection.  Alan  hull 67 Holland MI


> Date: Thu, 31 May 2012 12:28:47 -0700
> From: Utility Email <kswanson123 at comcast.net>
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Battery Charger Mystery
> Message-ID: <4C50A2DB-E084-4A00-8DC5-1BF11E31F968 at comcast.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
> 
> Both options sound reasonable.  
> 
> On my boat, the 30A Charles Charger is located in the locker under the port side salon seat inside the main cabin.  I installed a Wallas Diesel Furnace located in my port cockpit locker similar to where your charger is located.  Based on your experience, I intend to pay better attention to this expensive furnace to ensure that it stays dry in this port cockpit locker location.  
> 
> Thanks for sharing.  
> 
> Dave
> 
> David Swanson
> S/V Emily Ann
> 2007 C320 MK II, No. 1107
> Mukilteo, WA 
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