Modern battery charging relays - worth it?
I'm trying to better understand the advantages behind the modern battery charging relays such as the Blue Sea ML series over a solenoid-based isolator. Maybe our electrical system gurus can help with these questions.
I understand the new relays will automatically isolate or combine multiple battery banks as appropriate. But with an "old school" solenoid-based isolator, can’t we do the same thing, just less automatically?
With a solenoid-based system, if I turn the ignition switch to “ACC” I will combine the batteries. When the ignition switch is OFF, they are separated, simple as that. So, for example if I want to charge all batteries using the onboard shore power charger, I simply switch to “ACC”. The batteries are combined and are being charged, correct? (Yes I know I have to remember to turn that off.)
Do these relays somehow better manage the charging of separate batteries? For example, do they provide separate and better regulation of separate batteries automatically and simultaneously? I’m not seeing them doing anything like that.
Any time the starter is engaged, an isolator will close and all batteries will be combined. Or is this not the case? If so, this seems like the ideal arrangement, as providing vehicle starting power will always take priority over anything else. So it seems the old isolators are already doing exactly what is best.
I’d spend some money and replace my old isolator, but I’m struggling to see much value. What am I missing?
Any insights appreciated!
Note: Mine is a simple 2 battery, 12V system.
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