Battery Isolator Test

M

MichaelOnTheClaraMae

Moderator
I know a battery isolator contains diodes that permit current to flow in one direction only. Power from an alternator and/or shore charger supplied to the power-in stud of the battery isolator flows to each of the power-out studs connected to each battery bank. Current cannot flow back from one battery bank to another battery bank.

Accordingly, there should be continuity between the power-in stud and each of the individual power-out studs. And in turn, there should be no continuity between one power out stud and another. Correct?

Thanks in advance for helping out the electrically challenged.
 
Consider that diode isolators cause a voltage drop of about half a volt--thus it is difficult to keep the battery fully charged.

A combiner, does not have the voltage drop, and it s a better solution for battery combining and isolation.
 
I read that Bob and if I were putting together a new boat, a combiner is likely what I would use. But the Clara Mae has done great getting 5 years out of her original four 2-year batteries and always with power to spare. I have routinely run the fridge off of the two-battery bank for four plus days without recharging. So I am going to stick with the original configuration for now. Kind of a "don't fix what is not broken" approach. I, and I am sure others here on the site, appreciate the suggestion though.

Michael
 
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