Understanding the Cole Hersee Battery Isolator Wiring Diagram is crucial for anyone looking to efficiently manage multiple batteries in their vehicle or vessel. This diagram serves as a roadmap for correctly installing and utilizing a Cole Hersee battery isolator, ensuring that each battery receives optimal charging and preventing over-discharge of essential starting batteries.
What is a Cole Hersee Battery Isolator and How is it Used?
A Cole Hersee battery isolator is a device designed to allow a single charging source, typically the alternator, to charge multiple batteries independently without them discharging into each other. This is especially important in applications where you have a dedicated starting battery and one or more deep-cycle batteries for accessories. The isolator ensures that the alternator's power is directed to charge both batteries, but once the engine is off, it creates a barrier, preventing the deep-cycle batteries from draining the starting battery. This ensures your vehicle or boat will always have enough power to start .
The typical setup involves connecting the alternator output to the input terminal of the Cole Hersee battery isolator. From the isolator, separate output terminals are connected to each of the batteries. The wiring diagram will clearly illustrate these connections, showing:
- The alternator positive (+) terminal connection.
- The connection to the starting battery.
- The connection to the auxiliary or deep-cycle battery.
- Ground (-) connections for the isolator and batteries, which are often common.
There are various types of Cole Hersee isolators, including diode isolators and automatic charging relays (ACRs), each with slightly different wiring configurations. A diode isolator uses diodes to prevent reverse current flow, while an ACR uses a more sophisticated electronic sensing method to connect and disconnect batteries based on voltage levels. The specific Cole Hersee Battery Isolator Wiring Diagram you are using will correspond to the exact model you have.
Here's a simplified representation of how the connections generally flow for a diode isolator:
| Component | Connection Point |
|---|---|
| Alternator Output | Isolator Input |
| Isolator Output (to Start Battery) | Starting Battery (+) |
| Isolator Output (to Aux Battery) | Auxiliary Battery (+) |
| Vehicle Chassis/Engine Block | Ground (-) |
Following the Cole Hersee Battery Isolator Wiring Diagram precisely is paramount for proper operation and to avoid damaging your electrical system. Incorrect wiring can lead to:
- Failure to charge batteries effectively.
- Damage to the alternator or batteries.
- Inability to start the engine due to a drained starting battery.
- Short circuits and potential fire hazards.
For the most accurate and detailed instructions tailored to your specific Cole Hersee battery isolator model, please refer to the official Cole Hersee Battery Isolator Wiring Diagram provided with your product or downloadable from their resources.