Primary Power Distribution
Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2019 4:14 pm
Here is a sketch showing wiring for primary power distribution for a boat with two 12-Volt batteries and one outboard engine:
As shown above, the outboard engine has an auxiliary charging output. This is a common option on modern outboard engines, and it permits the engine to independently charge two batteries without having to put their loads in common.
A general goal of the layout of the wiring has been to keep the number of terminals fastened under a terminal post to one whenever possible. The only instance in this design where more than one terminal is under a fastening post is at the battery terminals themselves. However, some batteries have two sets of terminals, SAE and threaded-post, so if batteries of that type are used there will only be one terminal under each fastener.
I will go over the individual components, discuss their functions, and recommend suitable devices in a few follow-up posts.
As shown above, the outboard engine has an auxiliary charging output. This is a common option on modern outboard engines, and it permits the engine to independently charge two batteries without having to put their loads in common.
A general goal of the layout of the wiring has been to keep the number of terminals fastened under a terminal post to one whenever possible. The only instance in this design where more than one terminal is under a fastening post is at the battery terminals themselves. However, some batteries have two sets of terminals, SAE and threaded-post, so if batteries of that type are used there will only be one terminal under each fastener.
I will go over the individual components, discuss their functions, and recommend suitable devices in a few follow-up posts.