Help! Electrics on boat not working... beginners to boating! Any help appreciated.

[BeJoe]

We have been having problems recently with our electrics onboard our canal boat. 

 

We used to be able to run everything off of either the batteries, generator and shore power individually, with no problems.

 

However, recently when we are connected to the shore power our volts have dropped from around 14.3v to 13.3v, and every time we use any electrical items the victron battery charger clicks off then back on again quite frequently.

 

When we have the generator on, everything works absolutely fine, and the volts go back up to 14.3v.

 

At first it only happened every now and again and with bigger appliances which used more electric however, now it happens all the time and is getting more frequent when we use smaller appliances which never caused problems before... nor should they.

 

I have no idea if it is the batteries or the shore power or another system onboard the boat which is causing this problem, looking for any help you can offer us... 

 

We are total beginners and know nothing about electrics. So please use idiots English to explain... haha 🙈

[Boaty Jo]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1827133223999993/

 

try here

[Bod]

You may with the larger appliances, be overloading the shore supply capacity.  This normally set at 16 amps(approx) the shore line cuts out, the batteries take over, hence the voltage drop.

There is almost certainly a lack of proper recharging of the batteries, and or battery faults, both leading to reduced battery capability.

A power audit is needed to see how much electricity you are using, and how that is replaced.

 

Bod

[Rob-M]

When you say bigger appliances what are you trying to use and how many at the same time...?

[Tony Brooks]

By any chance could the Victron be a combined charger/inverter rather than just a charger. They make both.

 

My first diagnostic action would be to inspect the batteries and ensure the terminals are all clean and tight. The insides of the terminals may be corroded. Ensure everything is turned off. Turn off the battery isolator switch, remove the negatives first, then the positives, clean the mating surfaces to bright metal, dress with battery terminal dressing or Vaseline, finally refit the terminals, positive first, negative last.

 

I would also be checking the batteries for localised hot spots or a whole battery being hot, a rotted egg smell, swollen battery ends, if open cells look for dry cells or cells that bubble more than the rest when being charged. All that indicates faulty cells/batteries.

[jonathanA]

Is it actually a problem or just the charger going into float mode  more likely on a landline than genny I would have thought.

Edited July 8, 2021 by jonathanA
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