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  1. #1
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    Is it normal for the battery charger and power cord to get REALLY REALLY hot ?

    I have a 2017 721 Pro XP with a MK 460 4-bank battery charger. I have noticed lately that the power cord and the battery charger itself gets really hot while recharging my batteries. On a couple of instances, I have noticed that the power cord I am using to plug the battery charger in got really hot at the wall, where it gets plugged in to get the power supply. I have not noticed this in the past. Is this something I can check/be concerned about? I am afraid not to start a fire either in my boat or in my home.
    Thanks in advance for your replies

  2. Member
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    #2
    So I went on my first long interstate trip a week ago and when I got home my charger had a louder hum to it when I was recharging and I went to unplug it and the cords were really hot also!
    2020 721 250 mercury 4 stroke

  3. Member Triton19x2's Avatar
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    #3
    Should not get really hot. I would post on the trolling motor electrical board for feedback as well.

    2019 721 ProXs 4S 250
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  4. Member
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    #4
    what gauge size extension cord are you using? if its the cheap thin 12 or 14 gauge , pitch it and get the heaviest gauge you can afford either 8 or 10 will take care of the cord getting hot and will carry the electrical amp load better. Your battery charger should get warm but shouldn't be hot to the touch - per most of the users manual they recommend leaving the hatch lid open for proper air circulation.

  5. Member
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    #5
    Hot 115 volt connections or wires? It's trying to tell you something. Something ain't right. You'll live longer if the wires or plugs don't get hot.

  6. Electrical/Wiring/Trolling Motors Moderator CatFan's Avatar
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    #6
    Normal for the charger to get hot. Cord not so much.
    If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity,
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  7. Member
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    #7
    I guess I'll try 8 or 10 gauge. Any idea who sells them?

  8. Banned RazorShine's Avatar
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    #8
    Quote Originally Posted by billnorman1 View Post
    You'll live longer if the wires or plugs don't get hot.
    Great life advice.

  9. Member
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    #9
    Check the water in your batteries

  10. Member
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    #10
    I was thinking that the connections should be checked, they could be corroded. But yes, battery water could be low.
    "Everyone should believe in something; I believe I'll go fishing."

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    2015 Phoenix 919 225 Yamaha SHO


  11. Member
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    #11
    Ide check your outlet too. If it's not fitting tight or if it's dark like it got really hot. Ide replace it. Also if the connections in the outlet box are bad or loose, this could cause heat too. Ide check all of that. The plug shouldn't get hot. That's a fire hazard

  12. Member
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    #12
    Also not to be smart, but make sure you open the breaker before checking connections, or better yet have a qualified electrician check it out

  13. Member
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    #13
    I have XPower AGM batteries. But like some of you mentioned, I will have to get a qualified electrician involved. Thank you all for your replies!

  14. Banned
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    #14
    Home Depot has good extension cords

  15. Member
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    #15
    I'd like to add using the shortest extension cord possible for the job.

  16. Member
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    #16
    Ck condition of batteries
    a bad battery can over heat things up

  17. Member Meleagris1's Avatar
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    #17
    Mine gets pretty darn hot until all the batts are charged and it goes into maintenance mode. Batteries are brand new. I dont' think you can have a 4 bank 15amp per bank charger working on all 4 batteries simultaneously and not get hot. Just make sure it have plenty of circulation - I always leave the back lid open and I don't stuff life jackets etc around the charger.
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  18. Member
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    #18
    i put a fan on back of boat to keep cool..works good ..just point fan toward charger
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