Victron battery monitor

[jim rosenthal]

Within the last year, a local shop installed a Victron battery monitor. (the Xantrex one I had prior stopped working and this is an upgrade from that one)

All was well until last winter when I noticed that even with both banks fully charged, the house read full voltage and the aux bank (the engine starting bank) read 8-10 volts. Everything else seemed normal. The aux banks is used to start the engines.

The house bank and the shunt are mounted under the aft deck. We thought that area would be dry enough, but the Victron guy came over today (he did the install) and found that the shunt device had gotten wet at some point. He replaced it, and we sprayed it with Corrosion-X. Works fine now, but I am going to try to find some kind of shield for it. I think some kind of plastic shield that kept direct spray off it would do the job. Suggestions appreciated.

 

[Captain Ralph]

I think some kind of plastic shield that kept direct spray off it would do the job. Suggestions appreciated.

Spray from what, or condensation.
Any thought on moving it to a dryer location?

I kind of thought they were sealed units anyway.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Good question. It is not near either of the prop shafts; it is under the aft deck. There is a hatch over and about a foot or two aft of it, but that hatch is guttered and there is also a canvas aft awning over it. Condensation is a good thought- the Corrosion-X should take care of that. I'm going to keep an eye on it, spray it again from time to time, and try to find some kind of shield for it.

I have not noticed condensation under the hatch, but I haven't looked for it, either, so I'll do that as well. Thanks.

 

[JD5652]

Good question. It is not near either of the prop shafts; it is under the aft deck. There is a hatch over and about a foot or two aft of it, but that hatch is guttered and there is also a canvas aft awning over it. Condensation is a good thought- the Corrosion-X should take care of that. I'm going to keep an eye on it, spray it again from time to time, and try to find some kind of shield for it.

I have not noticed condensation under the hatch, but I haven't looked for it, either, so I'll do that as well. Thanks.

Get a prefab connection box and install the shunt and a small light bulb or calrod to keep it dry.... otherwise move it to new location.

 

[brettportzer]

Is it the IP65 version of the shunt or the regular version?

 

[bostonhatteras]

container store has some good optically clear air tight storage boxes I've used to mount terminals/terminal strips inside. mount the box with the screws for the shunt and simply drill smallest holes possible for the wires coming in. silicone or 5200 the wire hole interface and put on the lid. you can look at the box and see the shunt clearly without removing cover.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Thanks to all. Good directions.

 

[bostonhatteras]

Jim Back when this thread was current I meant to take and post a pic of one of my Container Store adapted connections protection boxes. I never forgot so here it is They are good for a clean looking install especially for something that’s relatively delicate. I like them a lot

 

[ageless]

Jim Back when this thread was current I meant to take and post a pic of one of my Container Store adapted connections protection boxes. I never forgot so here it is They are good for a clean looking install especially for something that’s relatively delicate. I like them a lot

well done

 

[Sadey]

Jim Back when this thread was current I meant to take and post a pic of one of my Container Store adapted connections protection boxes. I never forgot so here it is They are good for a clean looking install especially for something that’s relatively delicate. I like them a lot

Now that ,as mom says, is someone using their head for more then a hat rack! Great idea.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Thanks to all. So far, so good. I'll get one of the boxes and install it.