Hi Phil, Thanks for the detailed note.
I was under the impression the Xantrex Truecharge 20 was a smart charger. It offers three charge modes and temperature sensing so that it won't overheat the batteries: http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/69/p/docs/pt/7/product.asp So my new plan is just to replace the existing 20 amp breaker and install a switch between the breaker box and the charger - I just want to be able to turn on the a/c outlets without activating the charger. I assume if I replace the existing outlet on the port side with a GFCI outlet - it will protect the other outlet on the starboard side? I don't have a specific panel for A/C. Thanks Derek.- ________________________________ From: Phil Agur <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 5:34:03 PM Subject: RE: [IC27A] Replacing A/C breaker box Hi Derek, The first thing after the shore power connector is a two leg 20Amp circuit breaker feeding a GFCI outlet. On Wing Tip these 3 items are inside the port coming compartment behind water proof covers. Only after the power has been run through a main breaker and the GFCI does it go to the boat’s electrical panel. A 20A charger doesn’t draw 20A from the AC line. It’s only going to draw around 3 amps at full output. That means there would always be 15A available for the outlets. A 20A charger is actually a little on the large size. While bigger sounds better I’d always opt for a smart charger over a bulk charger. Certainly a 20A smart change would be fine but if you check the recommended bank size for a True Charge 20 you’ll find it’s more like what you would have on a little bigger boat. A big bulk charger heats the electrolyte as a by product of charging causing the electrolyte to hold less charge. A smart charger recognizes this and limits it’s bulk charging phase lets the battery cool and comes back later to slowly top off the charge. It’s better for the battery life and the battery will hold more energy. Wing Tip has a 20A built in charger that will jump start the diesel but I actually use a 10A smart charger to maintain the batteries. Phil Agur s/vWing Tip C270 LE #184 MMSI 366901790 -----Original Message----- From: ic...@yahoogroups. com [mailto:IC27A@ yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Derek Atkin Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 20099:33 AM To: ic...@yahoogroups. com Subject: [IC27A] Replacing A/C breaker box My existing circuit breaker box is pretty old an rusty. I am also adding a bigger battery charger. It was my plan to replace the unit with a new box and add two circuit breakers. One for the main (20A) and another for the battery charger(15A) . Do I feed the A/C in through the 20A then pass through to the 15A or can I wire both together off the same inline feed, thus allowing interal outlets to be off while the charger is on. Any thoughts ? Derek.-
