How to Install Marine Battery Isolators
A battery isolator is intended to provide power from a single alternator to charge two or more batteries. It also protects each battery from draining the other. The isolator is a one way path through a circuit. A system designed for marine use must also endure moist environments and still work flawlessly. Wiring an isolator is a simple process once you understand where each of the wires go. With a few common tools you will have it installed quickly.
Things You'll Need
- Wood screws
- 10-gauge insulated wire
- Wire cutters
- Wire strippers
- Ring terminals
- Pliers
Instructions
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1
Mount the isolator in a dry location close to the auxiliary battery. Hold the battery against an interior wood panel and secure with four wood screws.
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2
Strip 1/2 inch of insulation off the 10-gauge wire and install a ring terminal on the end. Slide it over the end of the wire and compress with pliers.
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3
Position this wire near the isolator (do not attach) and run it to the motor's regulator terminal block. Cut the wire with the wire cutters and strip and fasten another ring terminal on the end. If you are unsure where the regulator terminal block is, the owner's manual for the motor will point you in the right direction.
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4
Back the "A" terminal off on the isolator with a wrench and slide the wire's ring terminal over the bolt. Tighten the terminal back down. Loosen the regulator terminal block's terminal off (yellow/gray wire attached) and slide the wire's ring terminal over top and tighten it back down.
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5
Cut, strip and install a new ring terminal on a new section of 10-gauge wire. Loosen terminal "#1" on the isolator off and connect the wire to this terminal. Run this wire to the auxiliary battery and cut and strip 1/2 inch of insulation off. Loosen the positive terminal, slide the wire underneath and tighten it back down.
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6
Cut, strip and install a new ring terminal on a new section of 10 gauge wire. Loosen terminal "#2" on the isolator off and connect the wire to this terminal. Run this wire to the motor battery and cut and strip 1/2 inch of insulation off. Loosen the positive terminal, slide the wire underneath and tighten it back down.
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References
Resources
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