Votronic mpp connection to Electroblock Question.

[Mark12]

I am fitting a Votronic MPP 360 solar controller in my van (Adria Coral Compact) to replace the Victron PWM Duo. It should give better low light performance.

I have a single 180 watt solar panel.
I have an Electroblock 262 + vop.

As per Votronic instructions I will run positive and negative charging wires from the mppt controller directly to the leisure battery terminals with the recommended fuse close to the battery. No problem so far.

The controller has a second charging port for trickle charging the starter battery using a 1.5 mm red cable direct to the starter battery positive terminal with an inline 5a fuse close to the battery. This works with reduced voltage and charging current rates, thus prioritising the leisure battery.
I have previously fitted an identical Votronic controller in our previous Adria Compact, wired in as above with no problems. The performance was fantastic in low light.

My question is this:
Can I connect my little red trickle charge cable from the mppt controller for the starter into the 'starter battery' connection on the rear of the Electroblock? because it would be so much easier than routing the little red wire all the way to the starter battery terminal? I don't know what size wire runs from the electroblock to the starter battery and whether it matters in this context but it would be so much easier than finding a route myself to the starter battery.

Hoping somebody understands this stuff and can offer advice,
thanks in anticipation, Mark.

 

[Manic]

I fitted both Leisure and engine wires from Votronic to the EBL back terminals

 

[Mark12]

I fitted both Leisure and engine wires from Votronic to the EBL back terminals

Did you have to fit the 5amp fuse just before the electroblock connection?

 

[Manic]

Did you have to fit the 5amp fuse just before the electroblock connection?

No, the regulator has a fuse on it but just looking at the manual, I should have done.

 

[LithiumConvert]

I don't know what size wire runs from the electroblock to the starter battery and whether it matters in this context

Plenty thick enough, such that it does not matter - and it will have a big fuse at the other end.

so, to you need to fit a small fuse - to protect your thinner wires
As near to the battery as possible - or, in your case, as near to the heavy duty connections on the back of the EBL.
Take care fitting the thinner wires from the solar regulator in with heavy duty ones from the batteries.

Another suggestion, whilst you are at it, is to connect the +ve wire from the panel via a switch.

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