Battery condition meter

Hi All,

I want to fit a battery condition indicator for the leisure battery. I'm assuming something like this would do?

http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/displayProduct.jsp?sku=1015946&CMP=KNC-GUK-FUK-GEN-LISTINGS&gross_price=true&mckv=MGdGvzqH%7Cpcrid%7Cproductlistings

I'm assuming you just wire this across the terminals of the leisure battery, which leads to the next question. Is it OK to leave permanently connected, or should I put a little push switch in series so that it's only drawing current when you actually want to test the battery?

TIA,

Rob

The gauge that you've linked to appears to be for a 24v system. Is that what you have?
I'm using this http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/Toledo-Battery-Alternator-Tester.aspx?pid=305192#Description

I guess you would be able to find something similar in UK. I've fitted it as a permanent fixture and the current drain is negliible so can be left connected. As you suggest, it is in effect hooked up across the terminals. For convenience mine is tapped in to the rear of a cigarette lighter socket. Where I have it mounted it is visible in the rear vision mirror so that the LEDs are visible when driving, confirming that the alternator is charging.

Linked the wrong one - they do a 12V version as well. Nice idea having it visible whilst driving - never thought of that!

Cheers,

Rob