Older SAN ballast install - Relays

[Chexi]

Have any of our PN faithful installed a ballast puppy system with batteries in the back and used relays for the switches? On my first (and only other install), my batteries were under the observer seat, so I just used 10 AWB wire on no relays. If anyone has used relays, I would very much appreciate a short explanation of how to wire the electrical for the pumps, relays, switches, battery for the ballast. Thank you.

[Chexi]

I think Mikeski has a thread on how to do this, but I cannot access it.

[wake_fun]

I'm confused. Why the relay?

[Chexi]

I could use much smaller gauge wire with relays, because the battery will be in the back, very close to the pumps. On my 99 air, my run from the battery to the pump had to be long because the battery was up front. But if your battery is close to your pumps, I think you can use a relay between your switches and the pump or battery and use much lower gauge wire because all the switches do is throw the relay. The 20-25 amp current only goes the short distance between the pumps, battery, and relay (not to the switches).

[bchesley]

You will have a huge pile of relays that are not needed. I ran my last SAN with really good quality 10 guage back to a panel above my battery and never had an issue. I am planning on running my new boat the exact same way. I have a battery on each side on the hump behind the rear seat. I then have a switch that is mounted under the rear seat with a 6 gauge wire from the common to a fuse panel just behind the motor. All wiring will run from there up the gunnel to my switches. I will take some pictures of the panel as it should be finished by sunday.

Brad

[Chexi]

Cool. I look forward to seeing the pictures.

When I ran my 99, I went 4 gauge from battery to fuse panel, and then 10 gauge from panel to switches to pumps and have had no problems. I was under the limit for the next fatter gauge, but not way under. I've never seen quick conneats that work on fatter wire than 10 gauge, so I was worried that on the San I might be over the 10 gauge distance limit. I have johnsons, and they can draw a few more amps than the jabscos I think.

[ers906]

I have mine set up the same way that bch does, but if the Johnsons run a bit more amp draw than the Jabscos that could be problematic I imagine. I can also send pics of my set up if you would like. Tomorrow is a boat work day so it will be out
Eric

[Chexi]

More pics the better. Thank you. The johnsons require 25 amp fuses. I thought that the jabscos only required 20, but I could be wrong.