When I am at my slip, I would like to keep the fridge on. As far as I can tell, the only way to do that is to leave the battery charger on, but this, I have been told, is not good for the batteries. Is there any setup that lets the shore power just power the house systems without touching the batteries (which would remain charged since they would not be used)?
Thanks!
Aaron
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Aaron
Guilford, CT
1988 Catalina 36 "Raptor"
Most of the frig are 12 volt so you need to keep the charger on Most new chargers will go into float so they do not over charge the batteries
Bill Miller
S/V Lorraine
Pacific Northwest,Sound Sound
Grapeview,Wa
1990 Mk1
Some boat refrigerator can operate on either AC or DC depending on what is available. Our boat systems are all 12 volt based and need the batteries to run. Our last battery bank lasted over 7 years with the charger running as well as the refrigerator when docked. No proplems.
David S Power
Two If By Sea
David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Burnt Store Marina
Punta Gorda, FL
You could buy a 110 v AC to 12 v DC charger and set up a switch or swapable plugs behind the electrical panel. You'd have to ensure that the amps of the charger matched. I have one of those portable coolers that runs off of 12 v cigarette lighters and you can buy a Coleman adaptor with a cigarette lighter female plug you could cut off and rewire. That being said, we run the fridge while the charger is on and it seems to top up just fine.
Kevin Lenard
"Firefly"
'91 C-36 Mk. "1.5" Tall Rig, Fin Keel, Hull #1120, Universal M-35 original (not "A" or "B")
CBYC, Scarborough, Lake Ontario, Canada
Aaron, what kind of AC charger do you have? Technology has come a long way. Most chargers these days do a great job ensuring proper charging of our batteries. Curious to know what kind of charger you have and what has led you to believe that leaving the 12v system on while on shore power could be a problem. If you're charger is older, it may be worth looking in to a new one.
Mike
Jackfish Girl, 1999, C36 MKII, Tall Rig, Wing Keel, In-mast furling, Monument Beach, Bourne, MA