Parasitic Battery Drain

[redline]

Have two 12V batteries...one for starting, the other for accessories.

The accessories battery has been dropping to ~ 9 volts after 2-3 weeks. This happens even with the battery switch OFF.

Used a DVM and I see 5-10 mA indicated when connected to the negative post.

Bought quick release connectors so I could easily disconnect but then realized my bilge pump runs off the battery too so not an option.

Any thoughts on why still a drain even though battery switch is OFF?

Access to breakers means pulling a watertight panel off the console (Proline 21 WA)


Thanks

Tom

 

[redline]

Have two 12V batteries...one for starting, the other for accessories.

The accessories battery has been dropping to ~ 9 volts after 2-3 weeks. This happens even with the battery switch OFF.

Used a DVM and I see 5-10 mA indicated when connected to the negative post.

Bought quick release connectors so I could easily disconnect but then realized my bilge pump runs off the battery too so not an option.

Any thoughts on why still a drain even though battery switch is OFF?

Access to breakers means pulling a watertight panel off the console (Proline 21 WA)


Thanks

Tom

 

[Lou C]

You may just have to do that to flip off each one, one at a time till you find the one that eliminates the draw. Anything added on after the boat was built?

 

[dingbat]

Have two 12V batteries...one for starting, the other for accessories.

The accessories battery has been dropping to ~ 9 volts after 2-3 weeks. This happens even with the battery switch OFF.

Used a DVM and I see 5-10 mA indicated when connected to the negative post.

Bought quick release connectors so I could easily disconnect but then realized my bilge pump runs off the battery too so not an option.

Any thoughts on why still a drain even though battery switch is OFF?

Access to breakers means pulling a watertight panel off the console (Proline 21 WA)


Thanks

Tom

Obviously someone circumvented the switch and wired something directly to the battery, or...........

Are you sure about the current draw readings?

A 10 mA load over 24 hours = 0.24 amps per day.
0.24 amps per day x 21 days (3 weeks) = 5 amps

If a 5 amp draw over 3 weeks is killing your battery, I would have the battery load tested

 

[GA_Boater]

Merged both threads.

 

[briangcc]

Got a radio/stereo onboard with memory hooked to that battery? If so, bet that's your drain.