Isolator vs Combiner

[p12]

Very indecisive<br /> <br />Trying to decide between the two, i've already bought an isolator, but may try and take it back.<br /><br />The way i figure it is the isolator will be more reliable being it doesn't have the moving parts of the relay (i don't want to find out the relay/combiner has gone bad when i'm out on the water).<br /><br />The combiner will give the easier install and the lack of a voltage drop.<br /><br />I know how both work, just trying to decide between the too based on these drawbacks.<br /><br />now discuss,<br /><br />P

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Isolator vs Combiner

What problem are you trying to solve? Adding either one to a system with a low output engine alternator probably is not the most economical or practical solution to the problem.

 

[briannh1234]

Re: Isolator vs Combiner

With the isolator the battery that is more discharged will get charged first.<br /><br />With the combiner your starting battery will be charged first.<br /><br />Hope this info helps your decision making.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Isolator vs Combiner

I've used 2 combiners in my 3 battery setup for about 4 seasons now w/o a problem. I haven't heard of any reliability problems. I used West Marine Combiner 150s and they have an LED which lights when they are combined. <br /><br />BEP also makes one: <br /><br /> http://www.bepmarine.com/showcategory.cfm?categoryid=6 <br /><br />This is the company who makes them for West Marine<br /> http://www.yandina.com/c150Info.htm

 

[DangerDan]

Re: Isolator vs Combiner

I've used the BEP distribution cluster on my three battery system for years now. I do however use a 94 amp. alternator due to the two house batts hooked together. I run an inverter and have never had a problem. Best system reliance I've ever had.

 

[p12]

Re: Isolator vs Combiner

I don't know why i didn't give more background info:<br /><br />I am adding a 2nd battery (deep cycle) to my 93 sea ray cuddy cabin, basically a house battery as to not worry about killing the start battery when overnighting on the water.<br /><br />I'm running a 55amp altenator.<br /><br />Thanks<br />P

 

[p12]

Re: Isolator vs Combiner

as of now, i'm leaning towards this:<br /><br /> http://yandina.com/c100Info.htm <br /><br />and taking back the isolator that i got last night.

 

[Seasport]

Re: Isolator vs Combiner

I installed the cluster below from BEP when I installed a house battery. Includes individual switches, voltage sensitive relay and emergency parallel switch. Works great.<br /><br /> http://www.bepmarine.com/showproduct.cfm?productid=512

 

[Boatist]

Re: Isolator vs Combiner

I think either works very good. I have had a battery isolator since 1980 and charge my two batteries with a 45 amp alternator. Never had any battery that did not last at least 6 years. No alternator problems either.<br /><br />One advantage of an isolator is alternator always feel the load of both batteries so a loose cable on the starting battery will not blow the alternator. If you have a battery switch you can not blow the alternator by turning the switch even thru off as alternator will still feel the load of both batteries.<br /><br />I do not have a trolling motor so never deep discharge my aux battery. After Fishing for 6 hours after dark with anchore light, VHF Radio, Loran C, Fish Finder, small spreader lights lighitng fishing poles when I start up and idle up to pull the anchor my starting battery will be at 14 volts before we get the anchore in. Aux battery will also be at 14 volts. If either has a deep discharg it will take some time to charge fully. For me I do not want a voltage over 14.4 volts so isolator works good for me.<br /><br />Really either system will support both batteries good so what ever you perfer.