Page 1 of 1

Accessories and 2nd Battery Control Panel

Posted: 06 Jun 2017 19:36
by Chris Skinner
After my recent outing to Namibia and Bots which was first proper trip in many years and camping out of vehicle, I realised I needed to improve the accessories electrics set-up, especially after I had a small short on one of my C-Tek charger connectors due to the quick installation I had made prior to leaving.
So I gave it some thought and drew the picture below…. I think this is what I need, but not yet fully sure so thought I would see if anyone on the forum had any ideas and/or other suggestions.
I have a 100ah second battery, an inverter fro 220, a CTek DC/DC charger which can use DC from alternator or solar panel, and a heavy duty CTek that can charge at 25Amp using mains.
ON my panel I will have various switches and then USB slots, 2 Brad Harrisons, 2 Lighter type sockets, and then a couple of 220v plug points. Was thinking of adding a small electronic display sowing voltage of the second battery (I already have one mounted on my battery box but that is normally difficult to get to in a convenient way).
What I have not yet done is the wiring design with appropriate fusing as I will do that last – any inputs on this welcome if there any specialists on this out there somewhere.

Re: Accessories and 2nd Battery Control Panel

Posted: 06 Jun 2017 20:15
by Peter Connan
Perhaps, consider changing the fridge's switch for a "12v main switch", which switches off all 12-v circuits?

Can't really see the need to switch the fridge off on it's own?

Re: Accessories and 2nd Battery Control Panel

Posted: 07 Jun 2017 10:20
by Michael
Chris, seems like a very nice layout you have there and gives me some ideas for my dual battery installation waiting for me.

I actually don't think the fridge switch is a bad idea. I plan to keep my fridge in my Patrol and would like to switch it off when not in use.
The problem with my fridge is that even when you switch it off the light on the inside burns when the lid is off/open so it will have to be plugged out or switched off at the power supply.

Re: Accessories and 2nd Battery Control Panel

Posted: 07 Jun 2017 11:15
by Chris Skinner
Thanks guys for the inputs.
I think I will keep the fridge switch too.
Peter, the second sw from left is a 3 way middle off switch that can cut off all 12v.

I saw this on ebay and thinking of ordering a couple, only around R100 ea.
Can measure up to 100Amp so full DC load can be monitored incl the hungry inverter if using 220v!

Re: Accessories and 2nd Battery Control Panel

Posted: 07 Jun 2017 11:29
by Tinus lotz
Chris just stop at 4x4 direct they have then off there you need one for in and one for out so you can see whats happening

Re: Accessories and 2nd Battery Control Panel

Posted: 07 Jun 2017 11:50
by Chris Skinner
Too cryptic Tinus, what you mean one for in and one for out?

Re: Accessories and 2nd Battery Control Panel

Posted: 07 Jun 2017 12:09
by TijmenvdS
I bought a couple of those on ebay. They only measure current in one direction, Thus if it is connected to a battery you can only measure current coming in. If you want to measure the outward current you have to switch around the wires going to the screen from shunt(the metal bar with 4 screws) Just buy 2 and use one shunt and 2 screen and swap the wires on one screen. :mytwocents:

Re: Accessories and 2nd Battery Control Panel

Posted: 07 Jun 2017 12:54
by Tinus lotz
Chris measure voltage and current into battery and voltage and current out of battery :thumbup: you need two separate uints