Section 6 • Electrical System; Electrical System; Direct Current (Dc) - Sea Ray 260 Sundancer Owner's Manual

S
1. E S
LECTRICAL YSTEM
A. D C
IRECT URRENT
The 12 volt direct current (DC) electrical system
(similar to that in your car or truck) derives its power
from the batteries. Batteries are kept charged by
the engine-driven alternator or the battery charger/
converter which must be powered by shore power
or the generator. The battery voltage is indicated by
the voltmeter on the helm panel (on the SmartCraft™
System Tach) and on the cabin DC distribution
panel. The negative terminal of the battery is
attached to the main negative bus.
Ask your dealer for a careful analysis of DC power
needs on your boat. It may be necessary to add
batteries or auxiliary charging methods to supply
adequate power for any additional accessories you
wish to add.
! DANGER
DO NOT USE JUMPER CABLES IN THE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
They can cause an explosion from sparks.
! DANGER
A battery will explode if a flame or spark
ignites the free hydrogen given off during
charging.
Never use an open flame or strike sparks
in the battery area.
B
ATTERIES
The batteries installed in your boat have been
selected for their ability to furnish starting power
based on engine starting requirements, as well as
its ability to power the DC accessories attached to
the electrical system. See page 6.4 for the
recommended batteries for your boat.
! CAUTION
To prevent arcing or damage to the alternator,
always disconnect battery cables before doing any
work on the engine's electrical system.
260 Sundancer (275 Sundancer
®
6 • E
ECTION
(DC)
)
®
S
LECTRICAL YSTEM
To remove the battery cables:
1. Turn off all items drawing power from the battery.
2. Turn the battery switch to the OFF position
(Battery switch is optional equipment on some
models).
3. Remove the negative cable first, then the
positive cable. To replace the cables, first replace
the positive cable, then the negative.
B M
ATTERY AINTENANCE
• Check the fluid levels in the cells approximately
every 4 weeks, and weekly in summer and hot
zones.
• The fluid level must be between the lower and
upper markings.
• Replenish only with distilled water. Do not use
metal funnel.
• Coat battery terminal clamps with silicone
grease. Keep batteries clean and dry.
Battery life is shortened if it is drained to zero charge
before recharging. It is recommended that a battery
not be discharged more than 50 percent. If the
battery does become run down, recharge it as soon
as possible.
Running the engine to recharge the battery may
not be effective. The alternator only creates
charging power at higher engine speeds, so simply
idling or trolling will not generate enough power to
recharge the battery.
If you need to charge a battery, use only a battery
charger designed to charge automotive/marine
batteries. Use charger only when batteries are
disconnected from the boat's electrical circuit.
Follow the charger instructions.
If the boat is equipped with dockside power and an
AC/DC converter/battery charger, keep it on when
shore power is available. This will keep the batteries
properly charged and allow use of the DC powered
equipment on board without draining the battery.
If your boat will not be used for several weeks or
more, and there is no shore power hookup, remove
the batteries from the boat and connect them to a
charger.
6.1