battery bank
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August 11, 2020
Battery isolators in marine applications have been used to maintain and direct the engine alternator DC charging in boats with multiple battery banks for decades. There are a number of reasons for installing an isolator in a boat with multiple batteries. First and foremost, the isolator can isolate the engine starting battery from the house/accessory battery or batteries. Second, the isolator will charge the battery bank with the lowest state of charge, then the next lowest bank, and so on when multiple battery banks are used. In twin engine applications where each engine has its own alternator, the isolator utilizes both alternators to the best of their ability and allows charging of all battery banks when just one engine is running. Keep in mind that the rate of charge is based on the alternator amperage output capacity.
