![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdpcwTmczGp6Pk9iJVWiDVm0tV9XPQ5D2tteA2Bn4kUVgD0IS3NcoSY_T6KjPtCtFzjHFsm8IghVDVHxf5sx3kStKxqnDizAW4CaR3EPJCY9ttzt_XJpiY7s1M7qVsx0nomtDZLWqucf_/s400/DSCF4145.jpg)
(Sorry about the poor photo - I used flash in the "after" shot - the inverter's fat leads are connected to the far battery)
I will replace the mains fridge as soon as Ally and Ben have finished their spell of marina living. Until then, I will allow the fridge to be powered only while the engine is running (unless on mains hook-up, of course). I think five domestic batteries excessive, especially for cruising. If the load requirement needs five batteries I think that the alternator will struggle to keep them charged.
So I've replaced the original five with just three. These were provided by the former owner - as I'd shown some knowledge (!) of batteries etc. when he was showing me the boat, we agreed that he'd let me install them and not him.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsomsU_KIntXirQwfkezoq8Fl6Q6T7eN2nMMBli7fEHIHisKpvQUf6IPCBlG2-xufNjdaz6ri-qNg9PHHJRjXpG2qZFrFoRYhe6VFLAKfisesZDfKT4xoLBRsLELOSAfvGIjFYkW4pjWl/s400/DSCF4148.jpg)
I've wired them up in a way which I hope will even out the charging/load, and thus prolong their life. From the second photo, you should be able to see that all three + terminals are connected directly to each other, similarly with all three - terminals. I've connected the inverter between the + terminal of one battery and the - terminal of another; I've done the same with the alternator leads.
Problem 1: I discovered that there are two different sizes of connecting posts - one large, for the inverter leads; and one small, for everything else. This dictated to some extent the wiring, and one post, the + terminal nearest the camera, has too many connections for the nut to hold them down securely. I must do something about this. Probably the best thing is to move one of the leads onto another connecting post.
Problem 2: The positive lead from the Sterling alternator control box won't reach further than the middle battery position (that's the one with five red leads going to it - I left two batteries in the box unconnected as spacers) and I had to file the connector's hole larger to make it fit the post.
Problem 3: The two batteries left unconnected in the box will die unless I keep them charged up. I brought home the three batteries I removed so as to charge and test them. Thinking about it now, I should have brought the other two home to look after, as the indicator windows on these two show green, signifying that they are still in good condition.
Problem 4: I don't know how to draw directly onto the screen, so I can't easily provide a wiring diagram. (I could draw on paper and photograph it, but not now. Too late.)
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