How do I tidy my battery connections? Ask the experts

PBO reader Stuart Boyd has a question about untidy battery connections. Our expert Duncan Kent has this advice…

Busbars like this from Victron Energy avoid multiple connections to a battery terminal

Stuart Boyd writes: “I have a 2008 Bavaria 31 Cruiser which we’ve had from new and which remains in as-new condition.

“Through time, various service contractors have connected a number of items directly to my leisure battery terminals, which look untidy: Solar panel chargers; Powered transom lifters and Webasto heating. Do you have any opinion on the appropriateness of this kind of installation?

Stuart Boyd has a owned a Bavaria Cruiser 31 like this from new. Credit: Bavaria

“Additionally do you think I should have an isolator switch between my solar panel and the controller. At the moment we cover the solar panel if we’re disconnecting the battery for any reason.”

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PBO electrics expert Duncan Kent replies: “It’s not good practice to have multiple connections to a battery terminal. A much better alternative is to install bus bars for both terminals, with a high-value in-line fuse close to the positive terminal before it reaches the bus bar. That way each cable has its own dedicated fixing with a proper crimped ring terminal and the bar can be safely and easily protected with a cover.

“If you also have a battery monitor shunt, then this should be installed between the battery negative terminal and the negative bus bar. It’s common to install a double-pole switch/isolator between the PV panels and the solar charge controller to enable them to be disconnected.

“Some installers fit a double pole circuit breaker but, though this does no harm, it is unnecessary as the current from the panel will never exceed its stated capacity so it will never trip.”

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