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mgermani avatar image
mgermani asked

Waterproof/Resistance options for BMV-712 smart included shunt

Hi All, for reasons I will not get into here, I would like to mount the included BMV-712 shunt inside the battery box on the tongue of my travel trailer (the display module would be in the cabin of the trailer). This location is unlikely to get wet as I store the trailer indoors, but it's definitely not the type of environment that it's supposed to be installed in. Aside from just waiting to see if it fails and replacing it, are there options for increasing its water resistance (like a separate cover)? Is there a more water resistant alternative shunt that could be used in its place? I know the smart shunt has a IP65 rating but it's expensive, redundent, and I'm not sure it can even be used with the BMV-712 smart display anyway.

BMV Battery Monitorinstallation
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3 Answers
kevgermany avatar image
kevgermany answered ·

The IP65 smart shunt needs a GX device such as the Cerbo to display its readings.

The BMV712 not only measured, but also drives its display directly.

So not interchangable as you guessed. I don't know of a waterproof option for the 712. Shielding it is your best option, but make sure there's adequate ventilation.

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Kevin Windrem avatar image
Kevin Windrem answered ·

If the batteries are lead-acid, you also need to shield the BMV from the gas that vents from the battery. The gas contains sulfuric acid and is corrosive.

The battery box isn't really a good place for electronics. Road spray will get inside the box while driving.

You might be able to find a suitable waterproof enclosure to house the BMV's shunt and use waterproof glands for all cables. What I don't know is how the shunt would handle a completely sealed box with no ventilation possible. There could also be condensation buildup.

The IP 65 Smart Shunt would be a better option. You can view it's data on a GX device as mentioned but also on a smart phone.

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mgermani answered ·

Thanks for the info! It’s a lithium battery, and the box doesn’t see much environmental exposure unless it’s raining while towing since it’s in the garage when stored and covered when in use. I’ll risk it for now until I come up with a better solution. It’s on a popup and I charge the battery externally so I need to be able to periodically connect a charger to the load side of the shunt and the positive terminal of the battery, while everything is closed up in storage.

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Related Resources

Victron BMV battery monitors product page

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