Electrical Systems
Mo’Chuisle is equipped with a 12 volt DC system and a 120 volt AC system. The vessel is wired predominately 120 volt AC to
accommodate modern needs and standard North American electrical appliances. There are plug-in receptacles through out the
vessel within arms reach of the next.
12 Volt System: There is a 12 volt Heart Freedom 2500 watt inverter/battery charger
suppling 120 volts AC, with a sub-breaker panel to supply the low amperage 120 volt needs. It
has
an automatic transfer switch that senses when it receives input voltage and turns the inverter
into a
130 amp 3 stage battery charger. A spare inverter is mounted right beside the operating one.
Should the present one fail and you need to move the wires over to the spare, this is easily
accomplished.
The higher amperage 120 volt items are run through the main breaker panel, which is supplied
from
either shore power, or generator power.
The 12 volt system powers navigation equipment, engine room equipment, toilets, radios, fans, and LED deck lights. It is
powered by two separate Surrette/Rolls battery banks.
Bank One: Original Install, still showing +90% when load tested
2 - Surrette/Rolls 6 Volt 820 Amp Hour Flooded Battery (820 amp hrs @ 12 volts in series)
Model
6 CS 25P
Series
5000
Manufacturer
Surrette / Rolls
Type
Flooded Lead Acid
Dimensions
22" x 11-1/4" x 18-1/4"
Weight (Dry)
254 lbs
Weight (Wet)
318 lbs
Nominal Voltage
6 V
Rated Capacity (20 Hour Rate)
820 AH
Surrette Rolls 6-CS-25P
Designed specifically for renewable energy applications, these Rolls 6-CS-25P batteries are backed by a solid 10 year warranty,
which is significantly longer than others in the industry. Long lasting and dependable
The Rolls Battery company, previously knows as Surrette Batteries, is known for producing high-quality, durable batteries for
every type of application. The Rolls 6-CS-25PS batteries have the advantages of the Rolls 5000 series including replaceable cells
and an expected lifespan of 15-20 years.
Bank Two: Installed March 2017
4 - Surrette/Rolls 6 Volt 428 Amp Hour Flooded Battery (856 amp hrs @ 12 volts. In series and paralleled)
Model
S-550
Series
4000
Manufacturer
Surrette / Rolls
Type
Flooded Lead Acid
Dimensions
12-1/2" x 7-1/8" x 16-3/4"
Weight (Dry)
94 lbs
Weight (Wet)
123 lbs
Nominal Voltage
6 V
Rated Capacity (20 Hour Rate)
428 AH
Designed specifically for renewable energy applications, these Rolls batteries are backed by a solid 10 year warranty, which is
significantly longer than others in the industry.
The lifespan of flooded lead acid batteries depends on how well they are managed. The number of cycles a battery can handle
depends on how much of the total capacity is discharged before being charged again. Checking the water level and specific
gravity (with a refractometer) will also help prolong the lifespan of these batteries.
There are two 130 amp large case alternators on the main engine. These are combined through a Balmar Max Charge MC-612
Regulator.( a spare regulator is mounted right beside the operating one, should it fail and you need to move the wires
over to the spare) There is a field interrupt switch in the dash, which allows you to turn off the alternators, when using the
hydraulics. This can be necessary when the engine is cold and you wish to use the Anchor Winch or the Bow Thruster while the
batteries are demanding a heavy input.
The 12 volt starter has its own battery switch, so you can choose which battery bank you wish to use, or combine both banks.
The system is monitored through a Heart Link 2000R battery monitor.
There are solar panels above the aft deck canopy, which aid in charging the batteries, these are run by a Blue Sky Solar Charge
Controller. These will run the main fridge if you are away from the vessel.
120 Volt System: Most
light
use items are run through the inverter. For
heavier amperage items, there is
a 6KW
Northern Lights diesel generator. This generator
has a 50 amp output, which is more than adequate for running the systems aboard. You can charge the batteries and make 30
gals water per/hr at the same time, with only a 30 amp load and a 1.3 liter per/hr fuel consumption.
There is a Smart Plug 50 amp shore power connection and a 75ft 6/3 shore power cord, to guarantee minimal line loss from
the shore power to the vessel. This is connected to a 5KVA isolation transformer, which can receive or output 120 or 240 volts in
any combination. This completely isolates the vessel electrically from the shore power and has proven invaluable in preventing
electrolysis.
There is an 120 volt AC sub-panel under the dash to run outside flood lights and plug-ins, as well as pilothouse receptacles.
Mo’Chuisle has utilized many modern household appliances, which are usually designed better, function better, and last longer
than most “marine specific” items. They are usually easier and less expensive to replace. These include fridges, freezers,
computers, microwaves, washer and drier, air conditioners, ice machines, televisions, lights, etc. We just haven’t had any issues
with them over the years.
There is a receptacle in the stern to plug a Honda EU2000 generator(or similar generator) directly into the inverter/battery
charger as another back up system.
