[Dylanb]

Im trying to install a split relay kit that came out of my old van, its a 30a little black box with inline fuse and has a purple lead to connect to the 'no charge' wire on the alternator. The alternator was a bit to hard for me to get to so I am trying to connect that wire somewhere else in the cab as i read online you can connect to any ignition 12v cable. I connected it to ACC+ round the back of the stereo and that sent charge to the second battery when the van was off, and swiched charge off with ignition on. complete opposite of what i needed. I then connected it to the main yellow 12v stereo cable, no charging at all, on or off, and this really confused me?!

Can anybody help?

[gto]

the stereo looms i have worked on have yellow as switched ignition live and red as permanent live.

[Dylanb]

Thanks but the red one is labelled ACC+ and is 12v live only when ignition is off it seems

[CleartechLee]

What vehicle are you trying to fit the relay to.. maybe you could pick up the alternator wire behind the clocks

[Spruce]

Hi Dylan
Sorry but I would advise you to rather go for an Intelligent split charge relay that doesn't need the alternator wire as a trigger. If you can't use the alternator for accessabily reasons, then using other wires will have their own downside IMHO.

I would be concerned that you could cause other damage looking for the right wire behind the dash - which could cost you a lot more than £12.00.

The reason why we go for the alternator charge light as a trigger is that this is the only cable that will ensure that the circuit from the van battery through the relay to the leisure battery is closed when the engine is running and so the battery will get a trickle charge. At all other times the leisure battery will be disconnected.

On some vehicles the ignition has to be on to switch the radio on - my Citroen Relay (Fiat Ducato & Peugeot Boxer) is like this. So if someone wants to listen to the radio when they are sitting in the van they will also switch the charging circuit on allowing current to flow between the batteries - if the leisure battery is 'flat' you will end up with a discharged van battery.

Personally, I would buy a 30 amp Brocott relay. It connects in the same way as you relay does, but doesn't need the charge wire.

Its this one,

 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SPLIT-CHARGE-RELAY-12V-30AMP-INTELLIGENT-SELF-SWITCHING-/180827950036?pt=UK_Campervan_Caravan_Accessories&hash=item2a1a2f8bd4

and worth the £12.00. Fit it and forget it.

Spruce