Charging or boosting batteries

[Lee]

I left my master switch on for the last 2 weeks,now my new batt is dead.I thought there was no draw on the batt with the DSS not connected.
Anyway I disconnected the grd cable and got a small trickle of a spark Is this normal?Where is the draw coming from?
Next question:Why do you need to disconnect the cables when charging when the master switch is off?That disconnects the battery,doesn't it?
One more:Can we boost these things if we're dead in the water?

 

[kustomkarl]

The Bilge is always active with the battery master switch off. That is the draw probably. You can use a booster as long as you disconnect it fast after it starts. I have one thet disconnect its self as soon as power is detected from the dead battery if it is started. Here is a draw test on the battery for you;

Disconnect the neg cable from the battery. Take a 12 volt test lamp and connect it between the cable end and the battery post (Lanyard cap must be off DESS post). If the test lamp lites then you have a constant draw on the battery and this is not good. I would then start disconnecting components, one at a time, to see if any of these are causing a draw on the battery. In your case I would start with the info gauge then go to the rectifier and then go to the VTS module, etc. Note: using a volt meter connected between the cable end and the battery post will not work. It must be a 12volt test LITE.
Lite on...draw. No lite on...no draw.

Keep me posted.
Karl

 

[Lee]

Thanks for the quick reply Karl,I saw you were online
I'll do the test lite trick after the batt is charged,Do you agree you should be able to charge the batt with the master sw off?

 

[kustomkarl]

NO!! it could still surge to the Bilge pump. Never charge it connected to the wireing...disconnect it. It is easy to get to, so don't take a chance.

Karl

 

[Lee]

Yikes!:leaving:

 

[kustomkarl]

I hope Yikes means you didn't already...you might have gotten lucky...and no problems. The machines aren't made of glass...I just never want to take a chance...repairs get expensive.

Karl

 

[rexsteiner]

I left my master switch on for the last 2 weeks,now my new batt is dead.I thought there was no draw on the batt with the DSS not connected.
Anyway I disconnected the grd cable and got a small trickle of a spark Is this normal?Where is the draw coming from?
Next question:Why do you need to disconnect the cables when charging when the master switch is off?That disconnects the battery,doesn't it?
One more:Can we boost these things if we're dead in the water?

had that same problem if i let my boat set for 2 weeks or more. i was unable to find any draw on the battery. solved the problem with a new battery

 

[kustomkarl]

uh, that didn't solve the problem ...just covered it up...it still draws power.

Karl