RDG603A13
– Issue 19
Page 39 of 97
18. Domestic Battery Bank
DANGER:
EXPLOSION HAZARD!
NEVER SHORT OUT THE BATTERY TERMINALS,
INCLUDING WHEN CHECKING THE REMAINING BATTERY CHARGE THIS WILL
RESULT IN A SPARK AND MAY CAUSE AN EXPLOSION OR FIRE.
WARNING:
BURN HAZARD!
BATTERIES CONTAIN SULPHURIC ACID. NEVER ALLOW
BATTERY FLUID TO COME IN CONTACT WITH SKIN, EYES OR CLOTHING. SEVERE
BURNS COULD RESULT. MAKE SURE THE CORRECT PERSONAL PROTECTION
EQUIPMENT IS WORN.
Domestic battery banks that are too large create excessive loads on the domestic alternator.
Alternators running at maximum output for prolonged periods of time will eventually fail
prematurely; alternators that fail due to the battery bank being over the maximum
recommended size will not be covered by warranty.
Higher output additional alternators, or travel power kits are available: if larger battery banks
are required discuss your individual power requirements with the boat builder or engine
supplier.
The maximum domestic battery bank is calculated using the following:
- Live aboard, three times domestic alternator, maximum output current.
- Weekend cruising or hire fleet use, three and a half times domestic
alternator, maximum output current.
Example 1:
Live aboard application fitted with a 70amp domestic alternator
3 x 70 = 210 ampere/hour maximum battery bank size
Example 2:
Weekend cruising or hire fleet application fitted with 50amp domestic alternator
3.5 x 50 = 175 ampere/hour maximum battery bank size.
