BATTERY-TO-BATTERY CHARGERS What are they and what do they do?
Although vehicles and boats usually have a charging system built in so that auxiliary / leisure batteries are constantly charged while the engine is running, the reality is that these systems are usually very basic indeed and won’t keep a battery anywhere near the peak of condition. This can lead to a situation where, even after a long trip (especially if a fridge is being powered), the battery will be nowhere near fully charged and only able to provide a fraction of the power which - in theory - it could.
“Intelligent” battery chargers are great when you have access to mains hook-up but how do you keep your batteries properly charged when on the move? The answer: install a battery-to-battery charger, a remarkable device which constantly monitors both starter and auxiliary batteries, then takes spare power from the starter battery
but also prolongs the battery’s working life. Because the starter battery is always given priority, there’s no danger of it being allowed to go flat.
One very important aspect of battery-to-battery chargers is that they are only connected to the vehicle or boat’s batteries and not to the primary electrical system. This not only makes them very safe and eliminates any possibility of damage to electrical components, it should
avoid the possibility of any warranties being affected.
and uses it to charge the auxiliary battery or batteries in the A battery-to-battery charger can be used on most vehicles same way that a 230V “intelligent” charger would. This not or boats - 12V & 24V - and with most types and capacities only ensures that batteries are as fully charged as possible
of battery.
This is the most common and simplest installation and the charger is simply connected to the starter battery. Installation involves connecting one wire from the auxiliary battery banks to the starter battery. The starter battery stays between 13-14 volts (within its limits) and the domestic battery goes up to 14.4V.-14.8V in order to put a good fast charge into it. This method works well even if the battery bank to be charged is not close to the starter battery; such as in a motorhome or other large vehicle.
The area within the dotted line shows the existing layout. You need one if:
You need a battery-to-battery charger if: [ Your vehicle is often not on mains hook-up and you rely on batteries to provide power for lights, pumps, fridge, TV, etc. [ You want to ensure maximum performance and life from your batteries.[ You don’t use a generator (if you do, you can use a 230V “intelligent” battery charger) to maintain your batteries.[ You want to charge the domestic batteries much faster and more efficiently whenever your engine is running. Whether or not you need a battery-to-battery charger
their working life.
depends on how you use your vehicle or boat. If you usually have access to mains power to charge your auxiliary batteries and you don’t need to rely on them for power, then you probably don’t. Your batteries will be kept adequately topped up by the on-board charger although we would still recommend using an intelligent mains charger to extend
If you spend a lot of time away from mains hook-up or even just a day or two at a time, you should seriously consider getting one. It can make the difference between having enough battery power to avoid using a generator and it will definitely help the batteries to work more efficiently for longer.
Choosing the right model
With several different models available, choosing the charger Although a battery-to-battery unit doesn’t affect the primary that’s most suitable for your boat or vehicle is quite straightforward. You’ll need to work out your total battery
electrical system, you should check the condition of the vehicle or boat’s starter battery.
capacity in Amp hours for a start although, unless you’ve got a All B-B chargers adjust for use with any kind of lead-acid battery bank in excess of 500Ah, any of the chargers shown battery, some types are more suitable than others due to their on these pages will be fine.
charging requirements.
In most situations, both starter and auxiliary batteries will be 12V. If the starter battery is 24V though and the auxiliary batteries are 12V, you’ll need a 24V in / 12V out unit. Sterling also have battery to battery models for use where both sets of batteries are 24V.
An important consideration is the speed at which you want the batteries to be charged while the engine is running. The higher the charging current, the quicker the batteries will be charged.
Gel batteries & maintenance-free models should only be charged at a maximum of 14.4V but flooded types can take higher voltages and so, in theory, are the best ones to use with a battery-to battery charger. A.G.M batteries can be charged at up to 14.7V and this makes them more suitable than gel types. In practise, whatever battery type you have, a B-B charger can be used with complete safety and will improve your batteries’ performance dramatically.
Prices and models can change. For up to date prices, to find a dealer near you or for further information on any of our products, please phone us on 01327 312233 or visit our website:
www.roadpro.co.uk 14
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