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adam-good avatar image
adam-good asked

How to setup two Orion TR Smart DC-DC Charger Non-Isolated in Parallel with 2021 Mercedes Sprinter

We have a 2021 Mercedes Sprinter and are installing two Orion TR Smart DC-DC Charger Non-Isolated in Parallel to give us more charge capacity from the van's alternator. I've read several post about how to install these devices but it is still unclear what is the proper way to connect the chargers to the van.

Is it best to connect directly to the alternator, the starter battery, or the fuse location under the drivers seat? Of course, all of these scenarios would be fused. The best information I've found is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01F4QDVJUq0&t=3163s but this is for a singe charger.

orion-tr smartorion dc-dcalternator
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Mike Dorsett avatar image
Mike Dorsett answered ·

You can connect 2 chargers in a very similar fashion by adding a second set of cables for the 2nd charger (best practice) or you could use a higher rated fuse and thicker cables, and parallel both chargers where they are mounted. If you do the latter, it would be worth adding in a small positive busbar and individual fuses for the Orion chargers. This would be the best option if there is not space to add 2 fuses at the van's power distribution point. Other options include direct connection to the positive post on the alternator, or to the battery positive. The ground could be taken to any convenient chassis grounding point.

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brockski avatar image brockski commented ·
I am doing the same thing. Can I use one cable from the battery or Alternator to a splitter [mini Bus bar] to the two 6awg wires to the DC chargers? What size wire? I have a 60amp breaker before each Orion DC


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brockski avatar image brockski brockski commented ·
2 Orion TR isolated units.
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kevgermany avatar image kevgermany ♦♦ brockski commented ·
Yes.

Size wires to the Orions according to the manual.

Size wires to busbars according to current. This should be double the diameter of the cables to the Orions.

Don't exceed 50% of alternator output when you size the Orions.

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