ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The electrical system for each engine is isolated, except in emergencies
when the battery parallel switch
may be used to temporarily
connect both sides (see below). Main power forward to the helm is provided by
the starboard battery through a #6 gao feed that is protected with a 50A re-settable
circuit breaker in the
starboard battery compartment.
All accessories
are supplied by the starboard
battery, including the
starboard and port bilge pumps in both manual and automatic modes. CAUTION:
If additional batteries or
battery switching devices are installed, ensure that the automatic side of the bilge pumps (wired
independently
from the main feed - see Wiring Code) remains directly connected
to the battery system.
Battery Jumper Switch
The battery jumper switch is located in the starboard battery compartment.
Its purpose is to provide a means
of temporarily
cross-connecting
the port and starboard batteries in parallel to provide starting capability for
either engine should the individual dedicated
battery become discharged.
If it becomes necessary to use the
jumper switch, turn it to ON and start the engine on the discharged
side. Turn the switch OFF (normal
position) and start the other side. Operating
both engines with the jumper switch ON may damage sensitive
electrical components
of one or both engines. CAUTION:
The computer control systems of many outboard
motors continually draw small amounts of current, even when not running. The batteries may therefore
discharge completely
if the boat is unused over an extended period (approx. 30 days). In such cases, use of
a maintenance
trickle charger is recommended,
or optionally, disconnecting
the batteries completely.
Disconnection
will not harm the control systems.
Battery Connection Warning
Disconnecting
and reconnecting
the battery while the engine is running by removing the battery cable(s)
from the battery post(s) will cause an extremely
high voltage variation to be produced on the 12 volt line.
This voltage will likely cause immediate failure of instruments and any equipment
which is operating at the
time and may damage the alternators.
Less obvious, yet just as destructive
are loose, or bad connections
between battery cables and battery posts caused by corrosion and/or frayed cables. Also included in this
category are defective, cracked, or corroded battery switches and isolators. The possibility of damage is due
to the fact that in almost all battery-started
engine applications,
the battery acts as a voltage limiter. As a
preventative
measure, battery terminals and clamps should be cleaned and tightened
periodically.
Cracked,
corroded, or otherwise defective battery switches or isolators should be replaced.
Battery Capacity
Careful consideration
should be given to the type of batteries you install in your boat. Many of today's
outboard engines require batteries capable of delivering
1000 Marine Cranking Amps (MeA). The type of
engines and the amount of electronics
should be taken into consideration.
Since the starboard battery is the
"House" battery, a larger series battery may be recommended
by your dealer.
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