Where to mount the charger

[jackytdunaway]

Ok, I got my new TC40+ charger today and I am trying to figure out where to mount it. The most sensible place is in the lazzerette but I am worried about getting enough air to keep it cool. The manual says to make put some louvers for ventilation if I mount it there but that is not going to happen. fficeffice" />>>
What say ye fine smart folks out there in Sailnet land? Are they just being extra cautious? My lazzerette is big enough I can give it plenty of room but it does get hot in there in the summer. Of course it gets hot everywhere on the boat in the summer.

[sailingdog]

I would mount it in the cabin someplace, where it is going to be out of the way, and not in risk of getting wet... as well as getting decent ventilation. It should be fairly close to the batteries to minimize the length of cable needed for the charging side.

So... where are your batteries located? Where is the main electrical panel, where the charger will be connected??

[jackytdunaway]

The batteries are in the lazzerette. That would make the best sense for everything but the heat. But i don't know if will really be any cooler in the cabin anywhere.

[k1vsk]

It can get much hotter in the cabin if that's your concern. Conversely, putting the charger in the lazarette can cause problems if in close proximity to wet cell batteries due to the acid vapor corrosion as the charger fan sucks in contaminated air. If it's pratical, it should go close but not in the same compartment (or possibly partition the lazarette).

[sailingdog]

The problem I see with the lazarette, other than the close proximity to the batteries, is that lazarettes tend to get wet... drier is better for electrical equipment.

[emagin]

Does the lazerette=wetter theory mean that the batteries are also best stowed in the cabin? I have a smaller boat (Ranger 23) and am wondering if I should move the batteries inside.

Also, I've read that the older chargers that don't have an auto shut-off (?) are have more risk of explosion and should be used cautiously.

[PBzeer]

I put my TC20 under the nav desk, in place of the gray inverter/charger shown in the picture.

[jackytdunaway]

My lazerette has neer has any water or moisture problems. that is alos where the hot water heater is. i made a wodd box for my batteries and put resin on it. i may look at mouting it to the outside of this box. i don't really have any good spots in the cabin that have flat wall except inside cabinets but i am going to look real good for one 1st.
Scratch the outside of the box idea. that would be too close to the batteries.

[CapnHand]

Batteries generate hydrogen which will accumulate in a closed space. Is the charger suitable for installation in an explosive atmosphere?

[TrueBlue]

I installed a Xantrex 40+ in the storage space under one of the dinette's settees. The mounting bulkhead is common with the adjacent engine room (under pilothouse sole) and battery banks, so cable runs are short.

The installation instructions specifically state to not install in potentially wet areas and to ensure enclosed spaces are adequately vented - regardless of the integrated cooling fan. So, I cut a square hole in the teak settee front panel and installed a pre-made teak louvered vent. Looks great and doesn't appear to be overheated.

However, the cooling fan although relatively quiet, is audible - especially at night when trying to sleep. Having the unit in an enclosed space with a louver - seems to amplify the fan sound.