Re: One battery or two
It doesn't "know" anything. It doesn't do any switching between batteries whether you're starting the engine or running electronics. All it does is automatically combine both batteries when the alternator output is higher than the battery voltage.
ummm. i dont think that's correct
"TWO BATTERY BANKS, WITH THE ADD A BATTERY Dual Circuit System
An ideal way to switch and manage charge of the batteries while underway is with the ADD A BATTERY from Blue Sea Systems. This includes the Dual Circuit Plus battery switch and the 120 Ampere Stater Isolation-Series Automatic Charging Relay (ACR). Together, these components simplify switching and automate charge sharing. In addition, the start isolation feature of the ACR protects sensitive electronics from potentially damaging voltage fluctuations during engine cranking. The SI ACR fully automates charging of two batteries from a single charge source, eliminating the complication of ?sharing the charge? manually with the selector switch. If the SI ACR senses that a charge is present on either battery (indicated by a high enough voltage) it will offer the charge to both batteries. If the battery voltage subsequently drops to a preset threshold, the ACR will isolate the batteries. Even if the house battery becomes fully discharged, the starting battery will remain charged. The ACR will automatically disconnect when the starting circuit is engaged. Enabling this feature to isolate the start circuit from the house circuits and prevent starting currents from flowing through the ACR or starting current transients from interfering with loads on other batteries. The reaction time of the ACR is fast enough to disconnect the battery banks before the starting current rises in the starting circuit."
*Starting Isolation Features
? Automatically combines batteries during charging,
isolates batteries when discharging and when not charging and when cranking and starting engines
? Allows temporary isolation of house loads from engine circuit during engine cranking to protect sensitive electronics
? Supports high-output alternators up to 120 Amps
? Ignition protected?safe for installation aboard gasoline powered boats
? Under voltage lockout?will not close when the lower battery is below 10.8V at 12V operation or 21.6V at 24V operation
? Built in LED light indicates when batteries are combined
? Meets external ignition protection requirements
? Waterproof rated IP67?temporary immersion for 30 minutes
? Designed for 12 or 24 volt systems
? Senses charge source on either battery bank
e-Series, Dual Circuit Plus Battery Switch
? Switches two battery banks simultaneously with one simple ON/OFF switch while maintaining battery bank isolation, minimizing the risk of a dead starter battery
? The COMBINE BATTERIES function offers the ability to combine two battery banks in the event of a low battery.
OPERATING THE ADD A BATTERY Dual Circuit System
Operation of the ADD A BATTERY system is as simple as using an ON/OFF switch. Upon arriving at the boat, turn the switch ON. When the day?s boating activities are over, turn the switch OFF. Setting the switch to COMBINE BATTERIES will enable paralleling of the batteries for emergency starting if the starting battery should somehow become drained or is no longer accepting charge. This enables the starting circuit to use the house battery. It is not recommended that the COMBINE BATTERIES position be employed to use the starting battery to provide additional power for house loads, or while the engine is off.
Installing the Blue Sea Systems ADD A BATTERY Dual Circuit System may prevent a dangerous dead battery situation or eliminate the need for an embarrassing request for assistance to another boater. Whether the ADD A BATTERY is used to replace a selector switch or upgrade to a two-battery system, it combines the benefits of simple operation and sophisticated technology to offer today?s boat owner convenience and peace of mind.
