
Cable ties, corrugated split tubing, heat shrink, electrical tape, cable ties, a soldering iron and, some solder will help you round out a perfect job. A DC to DC charger installation will require circuit breakers or fuses at both batteries as well. Pick up enough cable lugs to terminate your cables. You may need to grab a few extras to complete your installation.

#Smart battery isolator wiring manual#
Check the user manual for the recommended cable diameter - and plan the lengths needed for your install. While a DC to DC charger is not normally supplied with all the cables required there is no need to calculate a specific cable gauge, as these units will compensate for voltage drop. They don't like heat either – so keep it away from the exhaust with as much airflow as possible. This ensures less potential for voltage drop and delivers maximum charge. Mount your DC charger as close to the auxiliary battery as possible. Tap this into an ignition feed to ensure your auxiliary battery only charges while the engine is running. The trigger wire is important for smart alternator vehicles. There will also be an earth cable for the unit, possibly a solar power input, a trigger wire and sometimes a battery temperature sensor to monitor the health of the secondary battery. Power comes from the main battery entering the charger through one cable and heading to the auxiliary battery after being converted for an optimised charge.
#Smart battery isolator wiring how to#
We have great How To Install a VSR Guide you can check out if you want step by step instructions.Ī DC to DC Charger is what you'll need for many later model vehicles fitted with a factory smart alternator – or cargo area installations which is perfect for Campervans and SUVs.

Basic VSR wiring needs only three wires connected main battery power, second battery power, and a much smaller earth wire for the VSRs internal functions. Once you have the best to mount your VSR, up high or on the firewall is a common location.

However some VSRs are supplied without a wiring kit – you'll have to purchase some extras to make it work for you. These are often purchased as a kit including the correct size wiring, and all the ring terminals you'll need. This uses a voltage sensing relay that charges the second battery using the alternator and cuts off the connection to the cranking battery when it drops below 12.8 volts.

DC to DC Charger - Better yet, a DC to DC Charger with a Solar input is a great way to charge your battery using solar and the vehicles alternator in one handy compact unit.VSR Kits - If you have a battery installed for solar use, wy not have the vehicle charge it while you drive with a Voltage Sensitive Relay.It is best practice to double-check that you won't deal with a voltage drop problem for your battery and accessories. The wires provided in most VSR Kits are suited to the amp rating on the VSR and length provided. There's several wire gauge calculators online and in the app store if you need an easy solution. To do this, you'll need to measure the length of cable you require to your VSR or DC to DC Charger and note the amp rating required to determine the cable diameter needed to carry the load. To understand what size cable you need for your new battery, you'll need to calculate the correct cable gauge (thickness) vs length vs voltage drop. The auxiliary battery will need to be charged via the alternator/solar system with the ability to be cut from draining the cranking battery when in use to avoid draining it flat and leaving you stranded. If you're set on a second 12-volt battery in your vehicle to run extra accessories, you'll need to understand how to wire up an auxiliary battery into the system without compromising the cranking battery performance.
