Split charger kick in?

[Steve T]

Hi

Wonder if anyone could enlighten me at what voltage a typical split charge relay kicks in and out, obviously above 12v, is it standard kick in and out, or do they differ by a great deal, cant see any markings on the split charger I have.

The reason I ask, the 80W solar panel I have fixed to the van wired into a 10A charge controller then wired to the Starter Battery, with the Zig switch set to Charging / Touring, it seems to be charging both batteries, the only reason I can think of is the split charger is kicking in and charging the leisure battery. The reason I have wired to the starter battery is to keep power topped up for the alarm system, was going to fit a changeover switch for the leisure but it seems I wont need to, or have I missed something? apart from battery equalisation. Cheers

[bigherb]

Most Zig units are not a split charge relay. The switch is just a two way switch which selects the battery power supply, Touring connects both batteries so they are charged when driving. On site only selects the leisure battery.
If you have a voltage sensing split charge relay fitted as well they kick in about 13V but most are adjustable.

[California Dreamin]

As you say....must be a smart relay that connects the two batteries together once it sensors around 13.3 volts. Some of these are actually adjustable and if yours is be careful not to take it down too far, it must be set a tad higher than 'standing voltage' which for a healthy battery could be as high as 12.9 volts.

Obviously...if this is not a SMART relay....you have a problem as the two batteries should not be connected with the engine off.

Martin

[Oldiebut goodie]

They are connected because the Zig is set to 'touring' - which in effect is both batteries receiving charge from the alternator- the split charge relay is not part of the equation now.