Split charging

[Vanterrier]

Could anyone interpret the wiring diagram below and tell me if both batteries get charged when hooked up to mains or if the split charger relay only charges both from the alternator?
There's a switch on the control panel with two options... habitation battery charge or Van battery charge, suggesting its one or the other on mains.
I don't yet have a solar panel.
It's a 2008 Autosleeper Symbol on a Peugeot Boxer van.

Thanks
K

 

[merl]

Hi. No, it's one or the other from mains and both from the alternator via the split charge relay.

 

[HTF]

A power diode can be installed "pointing" to the vehicle battery and will keep it charged if the charger is connected to the leisure battery. A slightly lower voltage will reach the vehicle battery but not enough to worry (less than 0,6v dropped)

 

[wildebus]

If you have a 2008 Autosleeper, I would imagine you have a Sargent System installed? This would be reinforced by the colours shown in the diagram e.g. Orange/White is the -ve connection.

Be useful to quote the number on the cover of the big silver box that has the fuses and breakers in it. Maybe an EC155 if a smaller PVC, or maybe an EC325 or EC328 if a larger Motorhome? I suspect you have an EC155 as they are quoting 8 fuses in total.

Now based on my assumptions above the answer to your question "tell me if both batteries get charged when hooked up to mains or if the split charger relay only charges both from the alternator? There's a switch on the control panel with two options... habitation battery charge or Van battery charge, suggesting its one or the other on mains." is that whichever battery you select on the control panel is the battery being used - BOTH for charging when plugged into Mains AND providing habitation power when off-grid.
It is a EITHER/OR selection and not a BOTH.

 

[Vanterrier]

It has a Bonus plug in services PDU 4M, not a Sargent
Is there a way to charge both batteries without having to switch over manually.
I remember fitting a voltage sensing relay to my IH some years ago, but I was following instructions then and cannot remember how to now.
How would I "point" a power diode? What connections, where and would additional fuses be required?
Please be aware that I am an engineer so can follow simple but clear instructions but electrickery is a dark art to me

K

 

[HTF]

It has a Bonus plug in services PDU 4M, not a Sargent
Is there a way to charge both batteries without having to switch over manually.
I remember fitting a voltage sensing relay to my IH some years ago, but I was following instructions then and cannot remember how to now.
How would I "point" a power diode? What connections, where and would additional fuses be required?
Please be aware that I am an engineer so can follow simple but clear instructions but electrickery is a dark art to me

K

The diode would be connected to the 87 (Anode) and 30 (Cathode) terminal of the split relay directing the voltage to the vehicle battery. The current of the diode should be about 3 times that of the charger's max charging current. A switch can be included to disconnect when the leisure battery system is disconnected. No need if that's a maintenance charger.

 

[Vanterrier]

Is this what I need ?

UK Split Charge Relay Kit Starter Battery Charger to Leisure Battery For Camper | eBay UK https://share.google/uxXUBgmZVhfAYZGaN

K

 

[wildebus]

What you haven't actually said (unless I missed it) is what you are actually trying to do or achieve?
You have asked for some info and then there is a discussion forming about adding diodes, etc. to add some functionality.

 

[Vanterrier]

I would like the charger to charge the leisure battery until "full" then switch over to the van battery if it is not already fully charged and back again when the leisure battery needs charging. So sensing both batteries and charging whichever needs charging. All without me switching back and forth manually.
I was originally hoping someone could tell from the circuit diagram if that was what was happening already.
Hope that clarifies what I would like.
K

 

[merl]

I would like the charger to charge the leisure battery until "full" then switch over to the van battery if it is not already fully charged and back again when the leisure battery needs charging. So sensing both batteries and charging whichever needs charging. All without me switching back and forth manually.
I was originally hoping someone could tell from the circuit diagram if that was what was happening already.
Hope that clarifies what I would like.
K

There are several battery maintainers that you can purchase and fit from the likes of Ablemail, vanbits, Sterling etc.
I posted this DIY device a while back that works extremely well at actually keeping the starter battery fully charged and properly maintained so as to prolong the batteries life and not just keep it able to start the van.
If you're not quite sure about anything then just ask.

High performance DIY Battery maintainer.

I posted details of my DIY battery maintainer on here a while ago, https://wildcamping.co.uk/threads/charging-cab-engine-battery-from-solar-panel.94106/post-1317302 I've had it installed in my van for a few years and although it's worked well, keeping my starter battery topped up over a couple...

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