Installing Victron 12/12/30 DC to DC Charger: To disable or not?

[COZZIE1963]

hi hope someone can help me there seems to be a lot of conflicting views on this subject.
Ive just installed a Victron 12/12/30 dc to dc charger and the existing system is still in place ,a lot of views say you should disable you existing charge relay some say it’s ok ,
I am going to 280w lithium I’ve put the b2b in place and also the Victron mppt for my solar both direct to house battery changing mains charger as well .
So my question is I really don’t have a clue about a relay install to stop the signal can I disable it even tho my fridge and step won’t work for a while until I get relay fitted with a pro my unit is an autosleeper corinium 2018 with EM40 and Ec500 .Be very grateful if someone could help or even put me intouch with someone who can fit the relay what ever it costs Thanks

 

[Dorwyn]

And Bailey, both use BCA electrics.

That's good info, I've just looked at their online catalogues and can visually identify most of my electrics and boxes, lockers and such. So at least I know where I can go for spares. Also illustrates the charger. Is their gear inferior or something? Visually looks professional. It will help me fit the b2b. Plus other info available on here. I'll wait for the weather, and my health, improves. So many thanks.

 

[The Artilleryman]

I don't think they are any worse than other makes - but this is my 1st MH, so have no real experience - battery charger/psu seems to have problems, also the Seattle control panel. All minor but expensive to replace.

In my case it was health, then weather last year.

 

[Guzziando]

I asked a similar question when I was fitting my B2B: https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/foru...dding-an-isolation-relay.282561/#post-5582843

 

[Cockers]

This is how and where to fit the normally closed relay between the EC40 and the EC500. This information was supplied to me by Sergent when I wanted to fit mine.
hope it helps

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[Cockers]

I would suggest you become a paid member as the wealth of knowledge on this forum is worth every penny.

 

[cgwcmlw]

Revolvor and Cockers are correct, closed relay is required as per Cockers's diagram. This disables the split charge relay when on the move and on site it allows the EC500 to perform as designed. i.e. monitor the vehicle battery and charge it as required if in smart mode. Also manually allows the vehicle battery to be charged from solar or mains. The EC500 will also alarm if the vehicle battery drops below a pre-determined level. If you simply remove the fuse on the EM40, this facility wont be available.

 

[Marauder]

you probably have a split charge relay which won't work with your smart alternator.

.
So some vans are sold new and only charge one Battery ?

Also, I'm fairly sure I remember reading on here about calculating max charge rate (5:1 or whatever) to Hab Batts bank, then using B2B (in parallel?) to top the native charger rate up to max input as per calculation. Was that just nonsense ?
_

 

[Pausim]

.
So some vans are sold new and only charge one Battery ?

Also, I'm fairly sure I remember reading on here about calculating max charge rate (5:1 or whatever) to Hab Batts bank, then using B2B (in parallel?) to top the native charger rate up to max input as per calculation. Was that just nonsense ?
_

I hesitate to comment on a post I haven’t seen but it does sound like it might be nonsense. Most vans have either a split charge relay or a B2B (sometimes called a booster). A van with a smart alternator needs a B2B/booster because a split charge relay will not work.