Carver 46 VOYAGER, Owner'S Manual

Page: 41 / 180

S
ECTION
2 DC E
LECTRICAL
S
YSTEM
4627 5/04
2.1.5.1 Engine Batteries
Carefully follow the procedures described in Section 5 before starting
your boat’s engines. Improper starting procedures can create hazardous
situations.
You can determine the voltage level of each engine battery by activating the
battery’s dedicated voltmeter. The voltmeters are located with the other
engine gauges at the helm. To activate each engine’s voltmeter, turn the
engine’s ignition key one position to the right.
NOTE: You do not need to start the engine to activate its voltmeter. Refer to
the OEM information for details on operating the engines.
2.1.5.2 “House” Battery
You can determine the voltage level of the “house” battery using the voltme-
ter located on the DC Control Center. Refer to the “DC Control Center”
later in this section for more information on the voltmeter. To activate the
voltmeter:
1. Turn the “house” battery master disconnect switch to the “ON” posi-
tion.
2. On the Safety Breaker Panel, switch the Main - One circuit breaker
“ON.”
3. On the DC Control Center, switch the System DC Main circuit breaker
“ON.”
2.1.6 Charging the Batteries
While the engines are running, their alternators generally supply enough
power to replace the power used by the boat’s 12-volt equipment.
Without an engine running, however, the 12-volt equipment will eventually
drain the batteries they are using. If this occurs, either start the engines or
use the onboard battery chargers to recharge the batteries.
Never allow the boat’s batteries to become completely discharged. Com-
pletely discharging a battery can damage it to the point that it can no
longer be recharged. The battery chargers should always be operating
when your boat is connected to shore power. If you leave your boat for an
extended period of time and the boat is not connected to shore power,
turn all battery master disconnect switches to the “OFF” position.