Carver 56 Voyager SE, Owner'S Manual

Page: 43 / 209

S
ECTION
2 DC E
LECTRICAL
S
YSTEM
5627 5/04
2.1.5 Monitoring Battery Voltage Levels
A fully charged battery that has not been charged or discharged for at
least two hours should indicate between 12.3 and 12.6 volts. If your boat
has Volvo D12 engines, a fully charged 24-volt battery bank that has not
been charged or discharged for at least two hours should indicate be-
tween 26 and 28 volts. A reading below this level indicates a partly
discharged battery.
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, or pair of
batteries if your boat has Volvo D12 engines, by activating the battery’s
dedicated voltmeter. These two voltmeters are grouped within each
engine’s multi-gauge at both the upper and lower helms. For each engine,
a single gauge provides information on engine temperature, oil pressure,
fuel tank level, and battery voltage level. To activate each engine’s gauge,
turn the engine’s ignition key one position to the right.
NOTE: You do not need to start the engine to activate its gauge. Refer to
the OEM information for details on operating the engines.
2.1.5.2 “House” Battery Bank
You can determine the voltage level of the “house” battery bank using the
voltmeter located on the DC Control Center. Refer to 2.2.2 DC Control
Center for more information on the voltmeter. To activate the voltmeter:
1. Turn the “house” battery bank master disconnect switch to the “ON”
position.
2. On the Safety Breaker Panel, switch the Main - One circuit breaker
“ON.”
3. On the DC Control Center, switch the Systems 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.