Blue Sea ACR Wiring Diagram: A Comprehensive Guide

Blue Sea Automatic Charging Relays (ACR) are popular among boat owners who want to simplify and automate battery charging. It is not only easy to install but also keeps your batteries charged and ready to use. However, the one thing that can be challenging when it comes to ACR installation is wiring. This guide will provide detailed information on Blue Sea ACR wiring diagram and how to wire it.

What is an Automatic Charging Relay (ACR)?

Before delving into Blue Sea ACR wiring diagram, it is vital to understand what an ACR is. An ACR is a device that is installed between two or more batteries, allowing them to charge simultaneously from a single charging source. An ACR usually operates automatically, thus eliminating the need to manually switch batteries between charging and use.

ACRs are generally reliable and robust, making them ideal for use in marine applications. However, to ensure they function optimally, proper wiring is necessary.

Wiring an ACR: An Overview

The Blue Sea ACR wiring diagram involves connecting the ACR to a charging source, battery bank, and loads. Wiring an ACR can be overwhelming, especially for novices. However, with a bit of guidance, anyone can easily wire an ACR.

The first thing to do before wiring the ACR is to familiarize oneself with the ACR wiring diagram. The Blue Sea ACR wiring diagram is quite simple and involves just a few wires. The diagram typically comprises two banks of batteries (house and start), the ACR, the charging source (alternator), and loads.

Wiring the ACR: Step-by-Step Guide

The following are the steps to follow when wiring the Blue Sea ACR:

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools and Equipment

Before wiring the ACR, you need to gather all the necessary tools and equipment. These include crimping pliers, wire cutters, heat shrink tubing, and a multimeter, among others.

Step 2: Identify the Wiring Harnesses

The Blue Sea ACR comes with two wiring harnesses: the control harness and the battery harness. The control harness is the one with the control wires, while the battery harness is the one with battery wires.

Step 3: Connect the Control Harness Wires

The control harness wires consist of thin wires used to control the ACR. The control wires include the ignition wire, the ground wire, and the positive wire. Connect the ignition wire to a switched 12V source, connect the ground wire to ground, and connect the positive wire to a 12V source.

Step 4: Connect the Battery Harness Wires

The battery harness wires include the positive and negative wires from the battery bank. Connect the negative wire to the negative terminal of the battery, and the positive wire to the positive terminal of the house battery.

Step 5: Connect the Charging Source Wires

The charging source wires connect the ACR to the charging source (alternator). The charging source wires include the sense wire and the positive wire. Connect the sense wire to the alternator voltage sense terminal, and the positive wire to the alternator positive terminal.

Step 6: Connect the Load Wires

The load wires connect the ACR to the loads. The load wires include the negative wire and the positive wire. Connect the negative wire to the negative terminal of the loads, and the positive wire to the positive terminal of the loads.

FAQs

1. What is the role of an ACR?

An ACR allows two or more battery banks to charge simultaneously from a single charging source, eliminating the need to manually switch batteries.

2. How do I know if my ACR is working?

You can test the ACR using a multimeter by checking the voltage output from the ACR when the charging source is turned on.

3. Can an ACR charge two battery banks of different voltages?

No. An ACR can only be used to charge battery banks of the same voltage.

4. Can I connect loads directly to the ACR?

Yes. The ACR can handle loads of up to 40A. However, it is recommended to use a fuse between the ACR and the loads.

5. What happens if the battery voltage drops below a certain level?

The ACR will automatically disconnect the battery bank with the lower voltage from the loads to prevent the battery from going flat.

Conclusion

Wiring a Blue Sea ACR may seem difficult, but it is actually quite simple if you follow the wiring diagram and take your time. We hope this guide has provided you with valuable information on Blue Sea ACR wiring diagrams and how to wire them. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact a professional electrician or marine technician.