Just added two new T 105's in preparation for adding an inverter and eventually solar. The original two 105's are 3 years old and are in perfect shape, from what I have read mixing the 4 in a series parallel combo isn't the best way to go.I'm thinking if I keep the sets together and use a marine a/b/both selector switch I can charge each set individually then combine them when I'm running the inverter to get maximum amps....I know its a little more work to keep track of the charging but it will keep my mind sharp:-) Any problems with this?Ron W.

Hi,I used two perko switches That way I can power the inverter from either bank, or both. Cost is $7 from Napa Auto.

PTHe going to switch, COAX CABLE from satellite dish

I'g go for the Blue seas switches as they are rated for higher amperages and have long Thick studs for many ring terminals. Helps to use them as Positive Buses for power distribution.Lots of people freak out over the use of a manual switch. I've been using them for 13 years and have never suffered a No start from having forgot to turn it when needed, but perhaps a younger person who is used to everything being automatic and idiot proof would have an issue

Hi Mr Wizard,Then, why is he talking about powering an inverter from a battery bank?

I'm guessing an A/B/Both battery selector sw is okay?

11 Replies

Ductape
Explorer
Nov 26, 2014
I am using 2 banks with even larger batteries and all the same age, just so I can top off one pair while the second is in use.

And one certainty is that eventually 1 battery WILL fail. When that happens, do you want it paralleled with a good one and no switch?
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Nov 26, 2014
Personally.. I would use the Marine switch but leave it in the "BOTH" position all the time less one of the batteries failed (Which will happen) then isolate that bank till you can get replacements.
NOTE: Given the age of your "OLD" batteries, it's a coin toss as to which bank will fail first.
rjsurfer
Explorer
Nov 26, 2014
RJsfishin wrote:
Fine, switching tween the 2 banks, but I wouldn't.
But I love simplicity, which will not sacrifice longevity in my experience.

I think Mr Wizard got his threads mixed :)

Agreed.

Getting back to my setup, mixing old and new batteries, separate banks are the best way to mix them without downgrading the new batteries charging capabilities.

Ron W.
RJsfishin
Explorer
Nov 25, 2014
Fine, switching tween the 2 banks, but I wouldn't.
But I love simplicity, which will not sacrifice longevity in my experience.

I think Mr Wizard got his threads mixed :)
rjsurfer
Explorer
Nov 25, 2014
RoyB,

The top diagram using 2 pair of 105's is exactly how I plan on doing it.

Nice to see such a clear picture, worth a thousand words.

Thanks

Ron W..
RoyB
Explorer II
Nov 25, 2014
This is one way to control two or four T105 6VDC batteries...

There is no real benefit of use a OFF-BAT1-BOTH-BAT2 four way switch for just two T105 6VDC batteries in series... Only ON-OFF like this setup maybe... The BAT2 side would be left for future expansion for two more 6VDC batteries in series...

Roy Ken
pianotuna
Nomad III
Nov 25, 2014
Hi Mr Wizard,

Then, why is he talking about powering an inverter from a battery bank?
landyacht318
Explorer
Nov 25, 2014
I'g go for the Blue seas switches as they are rated for higher amperages and have long Thick studs for many ring terminals. Helps to use them as Positive Buses for power distribution.

Lots of people freak out over the use of a manual switch. I've been using them for 13 years and have never suffered a No start from having forgot to turn it when needed, but perhaps a younger person who is used to everything being automatic and idiot proof would have an issue
MrWizard
Moderator
Nov 25, 2014
PT
He going to switch, COAX CABLE from satellite dish
pianotuna
Nomad III
Nov 25, 2014
Hi,

I used two perko switches That way I can power the inverter from either bank, or both. Cost is $7 from Napa Auto.