What battery should I connect compressor to?

[Ian1878]

Hi guys,
I have just installed a dual battery system in my Defender 110 with a USI 160 kit from Traxide.

I have connected the winch to the cranking battery (as suggested).

I have also fitted two external power outlets for my portable ARB air compressor to save stripping out the passenger seat etc every time I need air.

The compressor draws 28 standard and 50 amp under load.

Should I connect the power sockets for the air compressor direct to the cranking battery or should I / will they be ok connnected to the Aux battery?

Ian

[drivesafe]

Hi Ian and as it is always recommended to have your motor running while using an air compressor, particularly one that draws the current levels that yours does, then you can use the Anderson plugs connected to your auxiliary battery.

[alien]

I've got my ARB air compressor wired direct to my 2nd battery.
This way I don't have to have the motor running while I do the tyres.

[Ian1878]

Thanks guys.

This forum is awesome, it's like instant messenger :D

Ian

[FenianEel]

As Drivesafe said, you always want your engine running, compressors chew massive amounts of power. If you want to wire via a plug, Anderson's are definitely the go.
I'd always go via the main battery, and ALWAYS have the motor running.
You'll end up killing your deep cycle 2nd and/or flattening the crap out of it, if you use a 2nd without the motor running. Save it for for your fridge & toys.

[Ian1878]

Thanks folks,
I do intend to use the compressor only with the engine running.

Ian

[drivesafe]

I do intend to use the compressor only with the engine running.

As such, you can connect to either battery.

BTW, the main advantage of having your motor running while using a compressor is that because of the higher voltage at the compressor, the compressor runs faster, which in turn means you pump your tyres up quicker

[Goenin]

G'day all. As you usually inflate your tyres at the end of the fun stuff and your second battery is in good shape then pumping your tyres up usually doesn't do much to the battery.
I have never run the car whilst inflating and they were serious sized tyres.
I run an ARB compressor on an optima.
With the ARB compressor it is usually finished before my mates. So good in fact I pick up my new one today for our 130 dual cab we just got on Monday.
Running your deep cycle low is what they do.
The compressor solid mounted is one of those well used gadgets. I've used it to help fix other travellers camping stoves an all.
I had pressure switch problem once though. It must have had a break down inside. Stripped the pressure switch off. Sprayed it in side. Put it back on and away it went. I carry a spare now just incase. $9 from ARB.

The information the spins around on this site is priceless. Great family.

[Mundy]

If you are drawing 50amps and connected to the auxiliary batter which has an voltage sensitive isolator, chances are the voltage drop will cause the isolator to cycle on and off. It will depend on the initial output and net available output from your alternator. I think its better to connect to the main battery. Engine running is a must to me.

[VladTepes]

If you wireyour winch and compressor to the cranking battery, what wouldbe the POINT of the 2nd battery ?

I would have thought the cranking be reserved for craniking and the AUX battery for - well, other stuff ! ???

[FenianEel]

Each to their own, 2nd battery for me is for cold beer, led lights, and deep cycle applications.
Main battery is cranking, winching, spots, compressor, high draw applications with alternator supplying the juice.
Heavy amp & massive power draw (I.e. Compressor/winches) will kill a deep cycle in no time.

[Blknight.aus]

IMHO....

you connect it to any battery that is a cranking battery (if your going to be pulling 50a) and it doesnt matter which if you are only going to be running it with the engine on with the alternator pumping.

If you have 2 crank or dual purpose batteries go either but if you have a cranking battery as the primary and a deep cycle as a secondary then hook up to your primary.