Accessory Wiring - M1097R1 / Dual Voltage 200A - 24v vs 12v

[Ramzi]

I would like to add some accessories and so far everything Ive been able to purchase is 12v / 24v compatible (LEDs, Bluetooth, amp / volt meters etc).

If I choose to operate only 24v accessories, is it best to pull power from the forward most bus bar "positive " post in the battery box?
Then run that to a power distribution block (with an appropriate breaker near the post)? Or is there a better way to pull 24v?

If I decide to operate in the 12v world - are there any down sides to installing a step-down in a similar configuration as above? But at this point I don't see a real need to use 12v

Also, currently I do not have any wiring attached to the 14V tap on the front of my voltage regulator.
From what Ive read, attaching an appreciate wire from the 14v tap to the "positive" post on the rear battery will help keep the batteries in balance.
Is this really that simple?

 

[Mogman]

Your plans sound good so far.
Yes it is just that simple, I would use at minimum a #8 wire, although I am not 100% positive you do not need some 12V load to make it work properly.

 

[Ramzi]

Your plans sound good so far.
Yes it is just that simple, I would use at minimum a #8 wire, although I am not 100% positive you do not need some 12V load to make it work properly.

So run the wire for the VR 14+ tab to the rear "+" post
Then tap the rear "+" post for a 12v bus bar and run something off that.
While tapping the 24v accessories of the front 24v bus bar...

Does that sound like a good plan?

 

[Mogman]

As long as you keep the 12V load relatively small, 10A or so cont. would be my limit, 20A int
The reg. is said to be good for 50A but I would not try it.
If you have any large 12V loads use a 24V-12V converter

 

[Ramzi]

As long as you keep the 12V load relatively small, 10A or so cont. ...

I love this group... Great information and at a reasonable price.
I'll hook the 12v to the 10a beer cooler and the other accessories will remain 24v.... Thank you sir!

 

[77_M890]

So, I could run a line from the 14v top on the front of my dual voltage regulator back to another set of 12v batteries wired in parallel, then to a bus bar? Then put a battery tender plus all internal lighting, sound system etc off that 12v bus? Does the regulator work both ways? Like can I hook a 12v charger directly to it while off and maintain both 12 and 24v?

 

[Coug]

So, I could run a line from the 14v top on the front of my dual voltage regulator back to another set of 12v batteries wired in parallel, then to a bus bar? Then put a battery tender plus all internal lighting, sound system etc off that 12v bus? Does the regulator work both ways? Like can I hook a 12v charger directly to it while off and maintain both 12 and 24v?

no, the 12V is strictly 12V; it doesn't get converted in the regulator to 24V

As for wiring in a second battery bank for 12V, if you have a 3 speed truck then yes, wiring to the 14V tap on the regulator should work to keep them charged up, but remember that it is only rated for 50 amps max 12V. If you're wiring batteries in parallel to run 12V stuff then they will take a while to recharge . You wouldn't want to have both the main battery and the secondary 12V bank both wired to the 14V tap, as this would parallel the batteries and could cause issues, especially since it now ties the 24V system into the 12V bank.

If you have a 4 speed truck you definitely don't want to do the secondary bank along with the primary both using the 14V tap for the reason listed above.

If you are going to have two separate battery banks, better to have them completely separate as much as possible.

For a secondary 12V bank you might consider something like the Orion 70 amp converter from Victron. It can be adjusted to provide charging current, and can be paralleled up to 5 units if you figure out that it isn't charging fast enough/providing enough power.

Orion DC-DC Converters Non-isolated, High power | Victron Energy

Eliminate the need for a high current switch in the input wiring with the remote on/off connector on the Orion DC-DC Converter. Find a dealer near you.

www.victronenergy.com

 

[77_M890]

Thank you very much for the quick information! Yes I have a 3spd, but I think I like your converter idea better.