Ayrton Oneill
An automatic charging relay (ACR) system is a simple way to charge your boat batteries. It allows charging current to flow to both starting and house batteries automatically, without you having to remember to throw a switch. It also prevents inadvertently draining the starting battery while using house loads (stereo, fish finder, plotter, etc.) that might leave you dead in the water.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Function | Charges boat batteries automatically |
| Benefits | No need to manually switch between batteries; prevents inadvertent draining of the starting battery |
| Installation | Connect the accessory switch panel and the terminal marked "GROUND" on the ACR to the common negative bus bar; install a fuse in the ACR ground wire; ensure all terminal connections are tightened properly |
| Usage | Turn the e-series Dual Circuit Plus Battery Switch to "ON" when you get on the boat; the ACR will manage the charging of both batteries |
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What You'll Learn
How to install an automatic charging relay system
Installing an automatic charging relay (ACR) system is a simple way to charge all of your boat batteries. It allows charging current to flow to both starting and house batteries automatically, without you having to remember to throw a switch. This also prevents you from inadvertently draining the starting battery while using house loads (stereo, fish finder, plotter, etc.) that might leave you stranded.
To install an ACR, you will need to connect the accessory switch panel and the terminal marked “GROUND” on the ACR to the common negative bus bar. Install a fuse in the ACR ground wire and make sure all terminal connections are tightened properly. Snap the ACR cover in place when finished.
Once the system is installed, turn the e-series Dual Circuit Plus Battery Switch to “ON” when you get on the boat. The ACR will manage the charging of both batteries when underway, and also when plugged into a charger. In case you need the house battery to start the boat in an emergency, turn the switch to “COMBINE BATTERIES”.
You should also install fuses in the positive connections to the ACR and the switch panel. Connect the negative terminals of both batteries to a common bus bar. Connect the engine’s negative cable directly to the negative terminal of the starting battery.
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$114.97
How to operate an automatic charging relay system
An automatic charging relay (ACR) system is a simple way to charge all of your boat batteries. It allows charging current to flow to both starting and house batteries automatically, without you having to remember to throw a switch. It also prevents you from inadvertently draining the starting battery while using house loads (stereo, fish finder, plotter, etc.) that might leave you dead in the water.
To operate an automatic charging relay system, you need to turn the Dual Circuit Plus battery switch to “on”. The SI-ACR will then manage the charging of both batteries when underway and when plugged into a charger. In case you need the house battery to start the boat in an emergency, turn the switch to “combine batteries”. Rotate the battery switch to “off” when you leave the boat.
Make sure all terminal connections are tightened properly, and snap the ACR cover in place when finished.
The relay can change positions from OPEN to CLOSED or CLOSED to OPEN by energizing or de-energizing the coil.
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How to combine batteries in an emergency
An automatic charging relay (ACR) system is a simple way to charge all of your boat batteries. As long as the engine alternator is working, the ACR can redirect excess engine charging capacity to the house battery bank, but only if the starting battery is fully charged. This prevents the starting battery from discharging.
To combine batteries in an emergency, follow these steps:
- Install fuses in the positive connections to the ACR and the switch panel.
- Connect the negative terminals of both batteries to a common bus bar.
- Connect the engine's negative cable directly to the negative terminal of the starting battery.
- Connect the accessory switch panel and the terminal marked "GROUND" on the ACR to the common negative bus bar.
- Install a fuse in the ACR ground wire.
- Ensure all terminal connections are tightened properly, and snap the ACR cover in place when finished.
- Turn the e-series Dual Circuit Plus Battery Switch to "ON" when you get on the boat. The SI-ACR will manage the charging of both batteries.
- In an emergency, turn the switch to "COMBINE BATTERIES" to use the house battery to start the boat.
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How to charge batteries when plugged into a charger
An automatic charging relay (ACR) system is a simple way to charge your boat batteries. As long as the engine alternator is working, the ACR can redirect excess engine charging capacity to the house battery bank, but only if the starting battery is fully charged. This prevents the starting battery from being discharged.
The ACR system allows charging current to flow to both starting and house batteries automatically, without you having to remember to throw a switch. This prevents the starting battery from being drained while using house loads (stereo, fish finder, plotter, etc.).
To charge your batteries when plugged into a charger, you need to install fuses in the positive connections to the ACR and the switch panel. Connect the negative terminals of both batteries to a common bus bar. Connect the engine’s negative cable directly to the negative terminal of the starting battery. Once the system is installed, turn the e-series Dual Circuit Plus Battery Switch to “ON” when you get on the boat. The SI-ACR will manage the charging of both batteries when underway, and also when plugged into a charger.
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How to charge batteries when underway
An automatic charging relay (ACR) system is a simple way to charge all of your boat batteries while the engine alternator is running. ACRs can redirect excess engine charging capacity to the house battery bank, but only if the starting battery has reached full charge, thus protecting the starting battery from discharge.
To charge your batteries while underway, you can use an ACR system such as the Add-a-Battery kit from Blue Sea Systems. This system allows charging current to flow to both starting and house batteries automatically, without the need to remember to throw a switch. It also prevents inadvertently draining the starting battery while using house loads (stereo, fish finder, plotter, etc.) that might leave you stranded.
To install an ACR system, you will need to connect the accessory switch panel and the terminal marked “GROUND” on the ACR to the common negative bus bar. Install a fuse in the ACR ground wire and ensure all terminal connections are tightened properly. Once the system is installed, turn the e-series Dual Circuit Plus Battery Switch to “ON” when you get on the boat. The ACR will then manage the charging of both batteries while underway and when plugged into a charger.
If you have a multi-engine boat with a complex system of starting and house battery banks, it is recommended to consult a quality marine electrician for advice and installation of an ACR.
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Frequently asked questions
An automatic charging relay (ACR) system is a simple way to charge all of your boat batteries. It can re-direct excess engine charging capacity to the house battery bank, but only if the starting battery has reached full charge, thus protecting the starting battery from discharge.
An ACR parallels batteries when charging is present and un-parallels batteries when there is no charging present. It does this automatically with no human forgetfulness.
You can buy an Add-a-Battery kit from Blue Sea Systems. If you have a multi-engine boat with a complex system of starting and house battery banks, ask a quality marine electrician to help with advice and installation of an ACR.
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