Battery Monitor and Combiner

[jbox84126]

Hey folks,

I just bought a 500A Shunt/Monitor from Renogy for my boat. I single house battery and a separate starter battery with a perko switch a combiner that connects the two batteries when there is a charging current. Are there any special considerations i need to think through when connecting the shunt for the monitor? I know the readings will be unreliable when the banks are combined but I am more concerned about fire hazards if the starter current flows through the shunt when combined. I can mock up a wiring diagram if its helpful. My engine is a 30hp yanmar diesel.

Thanks!

[smac999]

If it’s hooked correctly to only the house battery. It will always be correct whether it’s combined with the start or not.

[jbox84126]

Originally Posted by smac999

If it’s hooked correctly to only the house battery. It will always be correct whether it’s combined with the start or not.

If I situate just upstream of the negative pole on the house bank I should be good? No risk of the starter cranking currents running through the shunt when combined?

[smac999]

the starting current from the house battery will go through the shunt. if combined some will come from each battery. it's probably ~100a

your wires will melt before the shunt does... no boat wire is rated to 500a