Mounting Your FUSION Charger
The FORM Charge Fusion is an IP67 marine-rated 4-bank charger built to be permanently mounted near your battery bank. A secure, well-chosen mounting location protects the unit from impact and vibration, keeps it in the right airflow, and makes future service straightforward.
Before You Begin
- Disconnect the battery bank before drilling or wiring.
- Gather your tools: drill and bits sized to your fasteners, pencil, wrench or driver, zip ties or cable clamps.
- Use large-diameter bolts and washers (recommended over screws due to unit weight and boat impact).
- Have marine-grade silicone on hand if you are installing in a wet or exposed location.
- Have the Fusion owner's manual open for reference.
Choosing a Location
A few minutes spent picking the right spot saves rework later. Your mounting location must be:
- Dry, well-ventilated, stable, and easy to access.
- Clear of obstructions -- leave at least 4 inches of unobstructed space on all sides of the unit for proper air circulation and cooling.
- Never below a boat's waterline, and never near fuel tanks.
- Within reach of a properly grounded AC outlet without needing to modify the factory AC cord.
The charger can be mounted in any orientation.
Installation Steps
1. Mark and drill mounting holes. Hold the charger in place and mark all mounting hole locations with a pencil, then drill at the marked spots. In wet or exposed locations, apply marine-grade silicone around the holes for a waterproof seal.
2. Secure the charger. Fasten the unit to the mounting surface using large-diameter bolts, washers, and all provided mounting holes. Use every hole -- the unit's weight and boat impact conditions demand it.
3. Connect the DC leads. For each bank in use, attach the positive (+) and negative (−) leads to the corresponding battery terminals. Reversed polarity will trigger the error LED and can damage the charger.
4. Organize the cables. Use zip ties or clamps to keep cables neat, secure, and clear of moving parts and chafe points.
5. Verify the installation. Plug the charger into a properly grounded outlet. Each bank's blue POWER LED should illuminate. Banks default to Standby (no MODE LEDs lit). Confirm the green CONNECTION LED is solid on each bank in use and that no notification LEDs are flashing red.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mounting below the waterline or near fuel tanks. Explicitly prohibited -- this is a safety hazard, not a preference.
- Blocking airflow. The Fusion needs at least 4" of clearance on all sides. In an enclosed compartment, the charger will throttle output as it heats up.
- Using screws instead of bolts. The manual recommends bolts and washers because of unit weight and boat vibration. Screws can loosen and let the charger shift.
- Modifying the AC cord. Never splice, cut, or replace the factory AC cord. If the cord doesn't reach, move the charger or the outlet.
If you are not comfortable drilling into your boat or handling 12V wiring, we recommend having a qualified marine technician perform the installation.