Add-A-Battery Kit - 120A [Boxed]
7650003
Features
Don’t get stranded – Add a Battery!
Adding a second battery to the electrical system prevents the unintended discharge of the engine start battery.
Blue Sea Systems popular Add-A-Battery kit was primarily designed for boats with alternator output of 120A or less.
When installed, the Add-A-Battery isolates the start battery from the house loads which prevents the discharge of the start battery. The Add-A-Battery offers a simple way to control the charging and battery switching of two battery banks. The E-Series Dual Circuit Plus™ Battery Switch simplifies the switching while the SI-ACR automates charging between two batteries.
Documents
InstallationReferenceArticles 
Start Lockout for Two Engines ACR Operation Automatic Charging Relay - An Alternative to Multiple Output Charging Systems SI ACR Performance during Charger Float Mode Blue Sea Systems' Dual Circuit Battery Switch Overcoming Dropout of House Electronics during Engine StartingVideosMarketing MaterialsProduct Certificates
Diagnostic Flowchart
LED Status ChartArticles Start Lockout for Two Engines ACR Operation Automatic Charging Relay - An Alternative to Multiple Output Charging Systems SI ACR Performance during Charger Float Mode Blue Sea Systems' Dual Circuit Battery Switch Overcoming Dropout of House Electronics during Engine StartingVideosMarketing MaterialsProduct Certificates
Start Lockout for Two Engines ACR Operation Automatic Charging Relay - An Alternative to Multiple Output Charging Systems SI ACR Performance during Charger Float Mode Blue Sea Systems' Dual Circuit Battery Switch Overcoming Dropout of House Electronics during Engine StartingMarketing MaterialsProduct Certificates
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does an ACR work?
A:
An ACR senses when the voltage of either of the batteries rises to a level indicating that a charge source is active (13.0V for 2 minutes). The ACR′s contacts then connect and the ACR applies the charge to both batteries. If the voltage on both of the batteries subsequently drops to 12.75V for 30 seconds, the ACR will disconnect, isolating the batteries.Q: How does an ACR differ from a battery isolator?
A:
Battery isolators use one-way electrical check valves called diodes that allow current to flow to, but not from, the battery. ACRs use a relay combined with a circuit that senses when a charging source is being applied to either battery. ACRs are more efficient than battery isolators because they create little heat and consume minimal charging energy.Q: Will an ACR manage the charge of my individual battery banks?
A:
An ACR does not direct the charge to the battery that “needs it the most” or has the lowest terminal voltage. If there is a charge present on either battery, indicated by a high enough voltage, the ACR will combine the batteries.Q: What Charge Sources will an ACR work with?
A:
An ACR will work with all charge sources, including an alternator, AC charger, or solar panel. However, low current charge sources might not produce the voltage rise required to force the ACR to combine.Q: Why didn't the ACR disconnect when my engine was turned off?
A:
The ACR will not disconnect until the low voltage threshold is reached to isolate the circuit. It may take several minutes for the voltage of the batteries to drop to this level. Since the ACR incorporates a delay, additional time (up to 2 minutes) is required before the ACR disconnects.Q: How many ACRs do I need?
A:
To combine two battery banks, one ACR is needed; to combine three battery banks, two ACRs are required.Q: What are the minimum number of connections I need to make my ACR work?
A:
Three: One wire to each battery, and one for a ground (GND) connection. For safety reasons, remember to disconnect the negative battery connections before beginning any ACR installation. For more information read this article on selecting the right fuses for Blue Sea Systems ACRs.Q: Do you have an ACR for more than two battery banks?
A:
One ACR will manage the charge between two battery banks. Three battery banks will require 2 ACRs, four battery banks will need three ACRs.Q: What does the flashing light mean on my ACR?
A:
A slow flashing LED means that the start isolation wire is energized. A fast flashing LED means that one or both batteries are below 9.5V (12V System) / 19V (24V System)Q: Can I ground to the chassis when installing in a vehicle?
A:
Run the negative wire for the ACR directly to the battery negative terminal of one of the batteries. A chassis ground is often insufficient to allow proper operation.Q: Do the battery switches switch the negative?
A:
In most cases no. The most common battery systems switch the positives and bus the negativesQ: Can I use battery protectant on my Blue Sea Systems Battery Switch and if so, what type?
A:
Yes, a marine grade protectant applied according to its instructions is acceptable.
