Battery Charger and Switches

[Barry Cohen]

When I have the battery charger on with the generator, do the battery switches need to be on?

Seems to be my day for dumb questions.

 

[Just Dreamin']

Barry, I think the answer is no. Once you are on generator power the battery charger functions as if you are plugged into shore power. On our R25 the start/thruster(windlass)/house banks are direct feed from charger.
However, the R27 wiring set-up might be different that is why I used "I think" no.

 

[knotflying]

Barry, not a definitive answer, but it depends on how your relays are set up etc. When in doubt, turn them on.

 

[Osprey]

There is no need to have the battery switches on in my 2012 R27. However, there is an easy test. With the battery switches off, start the generator and turn on the charger. Now read the charger's ammeter. Current output indicates battery charging is taking place.