Electrical system
88
Battery charging
When shore power is connected (120V–230V) the
safety ground must not be connected to the engine or
any other ground point on the boat. The safety ground
must always be drawn to the connection cabinet's
ground terminal ashore. The safety ground must not
be connected to the minus connection the output side
(12/24V), i.e. galvanically separated.
WARNING! Installation and work using shore-
connected equipment may only be carried out
by an electrician who is qualified to work on high
voltage installations. Incorrect installation can
result in danger to life.
When a battery charger is used in a 12 V system, the
battery voltage rises quickly to around 12.9 V, and
then rises slowly to 13.8–14.4 V when gas starts to
form. The charge current should be reduced by the
charger when gas starts to appear. Charging at a high
rate and intensive gassing results in the following:
• The life of the battery is reduced
• The capacity is reduced
• There is a risk of short circuit in the battery
• There is a risk of explosion
The following parameters determine the duration of the
charge period:
• The state of discharge when charging is com-
menced.
• The capacity of the charger (how much current can
be supplied from the charger).
• The size of the battery (capacity in Ah).
• The temperature of the battery. Longer charging is
required if the battery is cold. The battery cannot
absorb a high charge current at low temperature.
It is better to charge at 10 A for 5 hours than 50 A for
1 hour even if the total charge is 50 Ah in both cases.
The battery has difficulty absorbing a high current.
NOTE! A moderate amount of gas is normal. Towards
the end of charging the voltage rises quickly to 15–16
V. This value is not exceeded even if charging is con-
tinued.
AWG mm² (std.) sq. in
18 0.75 0.029
16 1.5 0.044
14 2.5 0.098
12 2.5 0.098
10 6 0.236
8 10 0.393
6 10 0.393
5 16 0.629
4 25 0.984
3 25 0.984
2 35 1.378
1/0 50 1.969
Extra alternators
For information about 12–24V extra alternators see
pages 125–126.
Volvo Penta also offers extra alternators to supply
220V. Please contact Volvo Penta for further informa-
tion.
Relation between mm² (sq in) and AWG
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