Connecting a bank of 4 leisure batteries.

[earthTree]

Hello there I hope you are well and coping okay during this time, my happiness tends to come and go in waves.

I've put off connecting these batteries for a long time since corona hit.
I have 4 - 75amphour gel batteries with a solar charge controller and a battery charger controller.

I've planned to attach 30amp fuses to the batteries but how many would I need? one in between each battery?
I bought different lengths of cable to attach them thinking that as long as each battery was connected to another with the same length that would be okay. The batteries will not sit equal distances from each other, 2 under the seat and two outside of the seat.

I've also thought about upgrading the battery charger as its only 16amps.
Any other useful information to this planned setup would be greatly appreciated

 

[Lenny HB]

When wiring batteries in parallel you should take the feeds of each end of the bank so the load is shared evenly between the batteries.

If the batteries are fairly close together you can just have one fuse for the bank, if spaced apart best to fuse each battery Individual fuses 30 amps should be OK for a single overall fuse I would fit a 50 amp.
If the mains charger is going to be used a lot I would upgrade to a 40 amp charger, whatever charger you use make sure it has a Gel setting or the batteries will never get a full charge.

 

[earthTree]

any charger you'd suggest?

 

[earthTree]

Also I will have 4 batteries, Will the setup be the same?

 

[Lenny HB]

any charger you'd suggest?

The 30 amp Victron is good, just had a look once you go over 30 amps the price gets silly.

12V solar panels charging kits for caravans, motorhomes, boats, yachts, marine

12V solar panel solar charging kits for motorhome caravan boat campervan yacht marine off-grid

www.photonicuniverse.com

Also I will have 4 batteries, Will the setup be the same?

Yes.

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[earthTree]

Thanks for being there Lenny HB, much appreciated.

As for the fuse could i get something like this?

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-...0001&campid=5338547443&icep_item=323866306223

 

[John Barrett]

This is similar to those in my MH. Simpler and cheaper!
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-...0001&campid=5338547443&icep_item=112697534325

 

[autorouter]

When wiring batteries in parallel you should take the feeds of each end of the bank so the load is shared evenly between the batteries.

Agreed, that method is better than connecting the positive and negative load wire to the same battery. But the best method for four or indeed any other number of batteries is to connect all the positives by wires of equal length to a common point, such as a fuse or a busbar. Since you will no doubt be putting a fuse close to the batteries that is fairly simple to do.

Do the negatives in a similar way. Connect all the negatives to a common point by wires of equal length. The common point can be a busbar or distribution point. If you are fitting a shunt for a battery monitor on the negative side, then one of its terminals is a good common point,

 

[Lenny HB]

This is similar to those in my MH. Simpler and cheaper!
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-...0001&campid=5338547443&icep_item=112697534325

That is only a standard blade fuse for a main battery connection if you are going to use a blade fuse best to use a Maxi Blade fuse.

 

[John Barrett]

That is only a standard blade fuse for a main battery connection if you are going to use a blade fuse best to use a Maxi Blade fuse.

Showing my ignorance what is a maxi blade fuse?

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[Lenny HB]

Showing my ignorance what is a maxi blade fuse?

Same as a blade fuse but about 3 times the size, much larger contact area for larger currents.

 

[autorouter]

Same as a standard fuse but bigger. These people do all the types. The holders can interlock to stick together, and you can get a fixing plate that will screw to a flat surface and can slide a fuseholder onto it.

Maxi Blade Fuses

Maxi blade fuses used for protecting larger current circuits in automotive, marine and leisure applications. Available in current ratings from 20A to 100A.

www.12voltplanet.co.uk

Maxi Blade Fuse Holder

Single fuse holder for maxi blade fuses. Complete with cover, terminals and terminal locking bar. Accepts cable from 4.0 - 10.0mm².

www.12voltplanet.co.uk

Double Hole Fixing Plate For Blade Fuse Holders

Double hole fixing plate for securing blade fuse holders to a firm, flat surface.

www.12voltplanet.co.uk

Also look at 'Midi' fuses. Convenient if your wires have eyelet ends.

 

[mitzimad]

why do you need four batteries all the hobbies ive looked at are short on payload

 

[Reallyretired]

If you need 4 batteries I assume you are using an inverter. Your fuses need to be adaquate for the very high current used. I have a 3kw peak inverter with the battery fuse at 300A. If you don't use an inverter why so many batteries?

 

[BDM]

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