What is typical bilge pump wiring in 21 EC: Which Battery?

[harley]

I am putting in a 100 watt solar panel to keep batteries charged when off shore power on buoy. My biggest concern is to have bilge pump working. Where is the auto bilge pump in the 21 EC typically wired to from factory? isnt it direct so it runs even when the DC Main switch in cabin is OFF? I would wire my solar panel to that bank and then let the ACR route the extra charge to the other battery. I asked this in the 21EC Solar thread but no firm answer.

 

[lproulx]

There are two power sources, both leading to the house battery. It is wired through the manual switch on the panel in the cabin, which turns off with the main switch, and also through the float switch (it isn't really that, but I don't know what to call the level sensing thing on the pump) directly to the house battery through a fuse. Hook your charger to the house battery. The starting battery has nothing connected to it but the engine stuff, and should stay charged for an extended period just fine.

Larry

 

[harley]

Thank you...I have done as you say. Charging as we speak. I am using a 100 watt panel that is the size of the engine compartment. I am making custom straps to hold it down to the snaps that would normally hold down the cushion.
I am running on temporary setup without having mounted the charge controller yet. I am thinking I will mount controller in aft locker port side on the panel that separates the aft locker from the area under the cup holder. I would then just use the wire set to panel run out from that locker when using panel and then coil up into locker when panel is stowed for using boat. I may find a more permanent way to run lines from panel to controller if I like using panel on the engine cover. I may want to move to Bimini in the summer. I keep it folded up due to winds in the winter.
I bought a flexible panel so it can go either place.

 

[ameyer97]

Make sure the wiring is actually connected - our R21 never had the float switch wire connected to the battery from the factory - bilge would only run when manually switched on.

 

[harley]

Make sure the wiring is actually connected - our R21 never had the float switch wire connected to the battery from the factory - bilge would only run when manually switched on.

I found the water switch and glad I looked. It has come loose from its wooden base in the hull and needs to be reattahced.
Maybe I should replace it while I am at it. I am sure the switch does not last forever.

 

[harley]

There are two power sources, both leading to the house battery. It is wired through the manual switch on the panel in the cabin, which turns off with the main switch, and also through the float switch (it isn't really that, but I don't know what to call the level sensing thing on the pump) directly to the house battery through a fuse. Hook your charger to the house battery. The starting battery has nothing connected to it but the engine stuff, and should stay charged for an extended period just fine.

Larry

I will likely post this as a new thread, but I have a follow up for you. I have now run the boat for a few days. I have new batteries and the Blue Sea ACR. I also installed a new battery charger with two separate charge wires for the two banks which I have connected. Both batteries charge fine on the battery charger. But when motoring, only the house bank charges (house bank at 14.3 volts as seen on the Garmin Nav and direct meter reading off of the battery). The engine bank receives NO charge from alternator when running. Voltage at engine panel and direct meter off battery stays around 12.6.
What could cause this? Failed ACR or incorrect wiring? Alternator is working (as evidenced by the house bank). Alternator is wired to the bus/terminal strip which then feeds to batteries and ACR.
I would love a wiring diagram of what the factory intended for the 21 EC with ACR. I have two battery sytem...house and start and no other batteries for AC or bow thruster.

 

[ohioan55]

As said above, the bilge pump should come off of the house battery. I have a diagram that I made of my boat, once I corrected a couple of issues that I found. It is in my photo album.