Split charge relay - standard or intelligent type?

Discussion in 'Mech Tech' started by chrisselby, May 17, 2013.

  1. Hello all, as I am waiting for Normans engine to return, and I am running out of associated parts and stuff to paint and clean I am looking at running in some cables, I need to wire up gauges and make a custom pod for the radio and gauges to sit in.
    I am also going to start on the power and light install.

    The 230v and 12v install isn't a problem, but cant decide whether its worth the extra for an intelligent split change relay system or just stick with standard?

    Also what are the pipes that are on the ceiling of my engine bay that seem to connect to the petrol tank and go via some sensors in the air intake? They come back to a tee in the engine bay and then the hose off the tee goes nowhere and is just tucked up into the lining.
    I guess it's for the flap thermostats? I can't understand why it goes to the petrol tank though?
     
  2. rickyrooo1

    rickyrooo1 Hanging round like a bad smell

    the hose is for your tank breather/expansion it should vent into the air filter
     
  3. The intelligent relays claim to make sure your starter battery is charged first because they switch at a predefined voltage, I've not tested this claim, plain old relays switch as soon as you start the engine.
     
  4. So it's not idea that the fuel tank vapours are just left to vent int the engine bay?

    I've seen what the intelligent relays claim to do and it looks like a theory which in practice should work but I'm no sure if its nessisary or if it does work and if the started battery charge gets turned off when the relay turns onto the leisure battery?
     
  5. I just have a master switch for the two starter batteries in my Bay. It connects each battery's negative terminal and the bodywork return.
    [​IMG]
     
  6. Thats interesting - so you can chose which battery to use or use both!!. Have you found this to be ok?
     
  7. Terrordales

    Terrordales Nightshift

    I have a similar set up in the camper, works well.
     
  8. I was thinking of running what I wanted from the leisure battery, running a spit charge relay and an 230 hookup system; with a battery charger in place so when I'm inside I can top up the batteries.
    I was thinking of installing a battery cut off switch so when on site I can disconnect the crank battery, then when it's time to leave turn the switch back on and that would bring the crank battery back in still fully charged
     
  9. NO! As you must realise fuel vapour can ignite so if let into your engine bay it leaves potential for an engine fire should a spark occur. The breathers allow for the vapour to be dispersed back through the combustion chamber via the air filter.
     
  10. I've just installed an intelligent relay kit was only about £17 from ebay. Works a treat!

    It doesn't switch over immediately allowing the cranking battery the priority. As the volts recover it connects to the leisure.

    My only grumble of the kit is the wire crimps were too small.
     
    chrisselby likes this.
  11. I have just fitted one of the intelligent types, which works well on test, will try it on the puck fridge this weekend asumnig it returns in time!
    S
     
    chrisselby likes this.
  12. Please post a link up to the type you have. I'm a spark so have most of the bits apart from the relay I can make up cheap enough. Got some nice led lights for the back and pop top :) just need a switch for the stereo then I can get it all wired up and transferred over :)
     
  13. Item: TRANSIT SPLIT CHARGE RELAY KIT-12V 30AMP SELF SWITCHING

    URL: http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=181126000986

    Alt URL: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TRANSIT-SPLIT-CHARGE-RELAY-KIT-12V-30AMP-SELF-SWITCHING-/181126000986

    (Sent from eBay Mobile for Android)
     
  14. Looks good and simple to install.

    30a is smaller than I though it would be though?
     
  15. I initially thought that but a typical alternator is size to charge battery at the same time as other ancillary loads are being fed. So I'm assuming that 30A should be sufficient.
     
  16. matty

    matty Supporter

    Personally i dont like the self switching ones for a number of reasons
    If the main battery is old it may not or take a longtime to reach the voltages it needs to switch so delaying charging the leisure.
    With a normal relay once the alternator is spinning and charging it does both battery's. This helps charge both battery's faster as the alternator has a bigger total load and so works harder.
    They cost more

    http://thelatebay.com/index.php?threads/leisure-electrics-12v.5390/
     
  17. So would this type of setup, mean that any draw on the leisure battery would not affect the main battery, ie does the relay isolate the leisure battery.
     
  18. i went for the intelligent voltage sensing type

    we have never fitted a 240v system on our van

    you will find it costs quite a bit more for a electric pitch in the summer and a lot of places you have to pre book the electric pitch


    we tend to camp last minute at the cheaper sites, something you can't do if you need electric
     
    sANDYbAY and matty like this.

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