Split Charge question....I have read the wiki first!

[thecyrusvirus]

Our van has a wiring setup different to the wiki diagrams.

the wire on pin 30 of the relay is actually coming direct from the alternator rather than from the +ve terminal of the starter battery.

Are there any disadvantages to this setup? Is it ok to charge the leisure battery in this manner?

I have had the wires disconnected since getting the van back on the road (I have just been charging the leisure battery from the mains)

Any advice welcome

[bigherb]

That is ok as long as there is an in line fuse close to the alternator.

[AdrianC]

the wire on pin 30 of the relay is actually coming direct from the alternator rather than from the +ve terminal of the starter battery.

There's a big thick wire connecting both of those, together with the +ve of the battery. No real difference between any of them.

[thecyrusvirus]

Thanks both, my assumption was that the circuit ends up behaving in the same way but thought it best to check.

I have a 10amp inline blade fuse, between the alternator and pin 30.

I feel more comfortable, plugging it all back in now

[thecyrusvirus]

Just for info, I wired up the split charge relay as a test, just using some crimp connectors and offcuts of wire. I am seeing around 13.8volts across the leisure battery with the engine running and about 12.7V without it running.

Seems my split charge wiring is right, now I just need my 33amp thinwall cable to arrive in the post so I can make it permanent.

Thanks for the input

[California Dreamin]

33amp thinwall will just about see you right.....I've seen a tad over 35amps flowing on initial charge after a weekends camping (this relatively high draw only occurs for 10 - 15 seconds on my discharged 100 amp leisure) and quickly drops to low 20's. I know this will vary between setups but you can see that something slightly heavier may have been advisable.
Fuse at 30amps.

PS: With a relatively charged leisure there isn't going to be much current flowing, it's only after a decent discharge that all of a sudden the weaknesses in the system are tested.

Martin

[thecyrusvirus]

Thanks Martin. I struggled to find any higher rated thinwall at a reasonable price.

I have my 30amp blade fuses and holders ready for when the cable arrives.