Installing a combiner for 2 battery one engine system. Need advise.

[mattkenton]

Ok so I am installing a combiner and I have a diagram. I understand everything except the selector switch wiring. In this diagram bot the positive terminals go to combiner and to the switch. What happens when you switch the selector to "all". Does the combiner still keep the house battery from leaching from the cranking battery? If so how is this possible since they are combined at the switch. Confused.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Installing a combiner for 2 battery one engine system. Need advise.

When you switch to "all" you are getting power from both batteries. So yes they are both drawn in that position. Combiners allow combined CHARGING.
The diagram you posted is very simplified. It doesn't show you the terminations for the cables.
When you look further I bet you'll find house and crank terminals on the combiner and the switch.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Installing a combiner for 2 battery one engine system. Need advise.

If you have a dual battery switch there really is no need for the combiner.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Installing a combiner for 2 battery one engine system. Need advise.

If you have a dual battery switch there really is no need for the combiner.

Silvertip is indeed correct. However, today's boater does not seem to want to be bothered with turning the switch to the different positions to ensure combining and isolating the batts...