Sharing common ground between lead acid /lithium

Submitted: Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 00:21
ThreadID: 149142 Views:318 Replies:4 FollowUps:0
Hi Explorers,

I hope someone can give me some advice, I’ve seen a similar question posted but my situation is slightly different.

Wiring my Tinny and want to be able to keep existing crank battery to start motor and operate accessories, outboard will also charge this battery.

I want to add a battery selection switch to allow me to turn battery off, and to allow addition of my camping style lithium battery for longer trips.

Even when the lithium is switched on I will keep the motor connected to the cranking battery, only the accessories will be switched over to the lithium.

The motor is not rated to be started from a lithium battery, older model.

Lithium battery is big enough that I do not need it to be charged by the small motor alternator.

My question is: can I set my wiring so that both batteries share a negative connection - a shared ground.

This would mean that I connect positive for the lithium to one of the switch inputs, the negative from the Anderson plug connection to negative busbar which would also connect to lead acid battery along with all other accessories and motor.

I hope my question is clear and appreciate any assistance you can give.

J
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Reply By: Member - Duncan2H - Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 07:21

Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 07:21
There is no problem at all with a common ground between the two batteries.. this is actually entirely normal.

Just make sure your switchover device is rated for more than the current that your accessories will draw.
AnswerID: 646859

Reply By: IvanTheTerrible - Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 19:06

Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 19:06
DONT use the hull as a ground
AnswerID: 646860

Reply By: RMD - Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 19:26

Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 19:26
J
It seems you are effectively wanting to use two different systems and circuits. If so. Why do you want to then have the negatives of those two circuits linked together?
If you still want to use the accessories from the start battery sometimes, it then would need a changeover switch which disconnects one systems Pos & Neg and then connects to the other source, ie, the desired battery source.
The changeover could be achieved by using a, (heavier duty, if needed) three position switch with centre OFF. One side could be to LITHIUM BATTERY and the other to Start battery. With accessories connected to the centre pins/connections of that switch, either battery source can then be selected at the flick of the switch. complete isolation of each battery and also from the HULL as mentioned.
AnswerID: 646861

Reply By: Member - FSH00 - Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 21:16

Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 21:16
Duel poll switch
Work to live don’t live to work

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AnswerID: 646862

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