A battery separator coupler is a dual purpose device usually used on boats. It mainly connects the engine battery to the auxiliary battery of the engine. By means of an alternator, the battery coupler charges the auxiliary battery with an engine battery. In general, this device parallels the engine battery with the secondary batteries to recharge the latter. As a result, it is energy self-sufficient during long journeys. But for your vessel to function properly, it is necessary to take certain precautions.
How to choose the best splitter coupler?
It is necessary to check the power of your alternator before installing a battery coupler to find out if the alternator power is sufficient to charge two or more batteries. They should also be the same age. Some conditions are essential for choosing the battery coupler.
- Firstly, you need to know the Euro standard of your boat. It should be as low as possible.
- Secondly, find out about the current of your alternator and the voltage of different batteries connected to it.
- It is also important to find out the composition of the boat’s secondary battery. For example, AGM boat battery or Lithium boat battery.
To assemble the system, it is best to assemble wiring with a suitable cross-section of about 6 mm to 10 mm2. It is also best to combine batteries with the same capacity or with a maximum of 10% margin between the other batteries.
How does a battery separator coupler work?
The battery separator coupler has an essentially simple mode of operation. While sailing, the engine battery is charged by the alternator. However, batteries tend to have a threshold that should not be crossed. When this threshold is reached, the battery coupler mechanically charges the auxiliary battery.
When the vessel stops, a significant voltage drop remains. The battery coupler automatically splits the two batteries when the voltage drop reaches the necessary threshold, in order to prevent the engine battery from discharging. The use of the splitter coupler is then flexible to certain regulations. Moreover, the choice of a battery coupler the choice of a separator coupler depends on various elements: the Euro standard, the current, the power and the composition of the auxiliary battery, as mentioned above.
What are the advantages of the battery coupler?
The battery coupler makes it easier to use the other equipment on board your vessel. This device mainly protects the engine battery. By pairing the right fuse between the auxiliary battery and the battery separator coupler, short circuits in the system are avoided. The battery coupler is indeed space-saving due to its size and partly low weight. The installation of a battery coupler can also extend the life of the batteries. Assembling the batteries with such a device necessarily guarantees a comfortable journey with optimal energy autonomy for long-distance travel.