Automatic Boat Battery Protection
Marine PriorityStart System Stops Batteries From Going Dead
The marine PriorityStart system monitors excessive battery voltage drain and disconnects the battery before it can go dead.
BLI International (A Division of Baton Labs, Inc.) has developed an automatic battery protection system suitable for twelve volt marine applications. Called Marine PriorityStart, the device monitors your boat battery for excessive voltage drain and automatically disconnects the battery from the voltage drain. Enough power then remains in the battery to start your boat. Having a dead battery at an inopportune time can be a safety problem for boaters stranded in a potentially dangerous location.
What is a Marine PriorityStart? – PriorityStart is a microprocessor controlled electromechanical switch that exerts a clamping force of 75 linear pounds. The switch's gear drive system ensures low contact resistance of less than a milliohm and an electrical connection that is superior to a normal battery post / cable bond. The unit can handle up to 1,000 starting amps. A PriorityStart unit draws twelve milliamps in its connect mode and nine milliamps in its disconnect mode. This is about the same current draw found in a light emitting diode (LED). The device is hermetically sealed and is Underwriter's Lab Tested. The unit is certified for use by ISO, CE, SAE, and USCG.
Notes on Installation of a Marine PriorityStart System – Here are a few hints and suggestions on use of a PriorityStart unit:
- The deep discharge of lead-acid storage batteries will shorten their life spans. The PriorityStart will help prevent this
- It would probably be a good idea to wire your bilge pumps directly to the battery, bypassing this device. While a bilge pump can discharge a battery during its operation, keeping the pump running when needed is probably what you want and more important than saving the battery's charge
- Thoroughly read the Owner's Manual (PDF) before installing the device. It is a simple procedure, but lead-acid batteries produce explosive gas and there is potential for short circuits. Failure to follow safety recommendations can cause substantial damage to you and/or your boat
- Use of the PriorityStart does not relieve you of normal preventive maintenance practices for your battery. Keep the battery and all terminal connections clean
- The unit will not compensate for a weak or bad battery. Consider installation of a new battery while installing a PriorityStart for the first time
The Marine PriorityStart is an option boaters should consider for their vessels. This unit is easy to install, has a one year warranty, helps prevent dead batteries, can be transferred to another boat, and be used with both top post or wing nut post type battery terminals. The incorrect use of battery chargers or jumper cables can be dangerous.
