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Kettlewell · 30-12-2012, 09:46

On the solar charge controller it is odd that the Battery Sensing wires look larger than the Power Connection wires. The sensing wires do not have to be very big, while the power connection wires should be as big as possible.

senormechanico · 30-12-2012, 09:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tellie

That is a 7102 100amp breaker, it's a waste of space on those wires.
Also those Radio Shack terminals...yuck.

+1.
Those wires are only good for about 15 amps before they start to melt.
If you're really new to this, it's probably a good idea to get someone to look over your system and recommend/explain things in person.

Not trying to scare you, but inferior sized wiring can be the basis for lots of other things not working quite right, not to mention fire.

Just keeping it real.

Ahh, I should have read ahead before posting. I see others mentioned the melting !!

witzgall · 30-12-2012, 10:05

Yes, get a pro to go over the electrical system with you. If this is a boat you just purchased, get a survey. If you already had a survey, and they did not point out some of these issues, get a refund, and then use that money to hire a pro to go over things with you.

It is very easy to do the wrong thing electrically on a boat if you don't know what you are doing, and the result can be as much as loss of property and life.

Chris

sentientcj · 30-12-2012, 10:07

Thank you for all the input. Lots to go over. And yes, there's some residential stuff he put in. That's part of the "crazy" I mentioned.

I'll be going through these when I get back to the boat and update when (if) I get this figured out.

**noelex 77** · 30-12-2012, 10:18

Its not likely to be expensive, or difficult to fix these problems, but some could be potentially dangerous.
Cruisers were generally help each other out. There is usually someone who knows about outboards, another for Diesel engines and yet another one for electrics. Invite the right person over and over a couple of beers they will at least point you in the right direction.

The other option is post questions here on CF. With some good information like model numbers and a photos as you have done, you will get some good answers.

sentientcj · 30-12-2012, 10:23

Per the Charge Controller:

The input is for the solar positive
What connects to the "Battery +" and "Divert +" as I assume I connect the battery positive and negative to the two right connections in the Battery Sensing" section"?

Am I running two battery positive lines to this thing or am I not understanding something...