Newmar NS-12-20 Nav Start Guard
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Newmar NS-12-20 Nav Start Guard Product Description
Shield Your Boat's Navigation Systems from Cranking Voltage Drops
Imagine firing up your boat's engine only to watch your GPS, radar, or VHF radio glitch out and lose critical data. That momentary voltage sag during engine cranking is a common culprit, hitting sensitive marine electronics hard. The Newmar NS-12-20 StartGuard steps in as your reliable DC uninterruptible power supply (UPS), delivering steady backup power exactly when you need it most.
Unlike basic surge protectors, this unit taps into a built-in sealed battery that kicks in seamlessly. It senses the starter solenoid activation and bridges the power gap, keeping your nav systems online without a hitch. Once the engine purrs to life, it disconnects and recharges automatically from your alternator—smart, hands-off protection built for the harsh marine environment.
How StartGuard Works in Real-World Boating Scenarios
Engine starts are rough on DC systems, especially on larger vessels where starter draw can plummet voltage below 10V for seconds. Microprocessors in modern chartplotters and comms gear reset or dump memory under these conditions, potentially stranding you mid-navigation.
StartGuard's relay triggers at 7-15VDC drop, switching its 12VDC, 5Ah sealed battery online to supply up to 20 amps. This sustains your electronics through the crank cycle—typically 5-30 seconds. Post-start, at 13.8-14.8VDC, it recharges fully in under an hour, ready for the next ignition.
Boat owners report fewer resets on multihull cruisers and sportfishers, where high-start amperage draw is routine. It's a game-changer for liveaboards relying on always-on AIS or autopilot interfaces.
Key Features and Performance Edge
- Robust Power Delivery: 20A max output handles demanding loads like multifunction displays and digital switching.
- Wide Input Tolerance: Operates on 13.8-14.8VDC nominal (15.5VDC max), fitting most 12V marine alternators.
- Long-Life Battery: Sealed, maintenance-free lead-acid with 5-7 year lifespan; DOT/IATA certified for easy transport.
- Compact & Rugged: 8.25 x 4.9 x 3.5 inches, 5.5 lbs—mounts discreetly in tight engine compartments.
- Backup Runtime: Sustains 20A for 1 minute or 18A for 2 minutes on full charge, covering extended cranks.
Compared to inline capacitors or basic buffers, StartGuard's battery storage provides true UPS-level reliability, proven in saltwater conditions without corrosion issues.
Detailed Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage | 13.8-14.8 VDC nominal, 15.5 VDC max |
| Relay Activation | 7-15 VDC |
| Output | 20 amps max |
| Battery | 12 VDC sealed rechargeable, 5 Ah capacity, 5-7 year typical life |
| Backup Capacity | 20A for 1 minute / 18A for 2 minutes (fully charged) |
| Dimensions | 8.25"H x 4.9"W x 3.5"D (20.1 x 12.5 x 8.9 cm) |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) |
Ideal Applications for Marine and Mobile Power Users
Perfect for yachts, fishing boats, sailboats, and RVs where nav electronics are mission-critical. Install it inline with your house bank to protect chartplotters, radars, fishfinders, and networked systems. Emergency services and off-grid setups benefit too, ensuring comms stay live during generator starts.
Pro tip: Pair with a battery monitor for visibility into charge status, maximizing uptime on long passages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problem does the Newmar NS-12-20 StartGuard solve?
It prevents voltage drops during engine cranking from causing resets or data loss in sensitive navigation and communication electronics by providing instant battery backup power.
How does StartGuard detect when to activate?
A built-in relay senses voltage drops between 7-15 VDC from the starter solenoid, switching the internal battery online automatically.
What is the battery life and maintenance like?
The sealed 12VDC, 5Ah battery lasts 5-7 years typically with no maintenance required. It recharges automatically from the alternator when the engine runs.
Can it handle high-draw electronics?
Yes, it delivers up to 20 amps max, sufficient for most marine multifunction displays, radars, and VHF systems during short crank events.
Is StartGuard suitable for saltwater marine use?
Absolutely—its rugged, sealed design withstands humid, corrosive environments common in boating, with no exposed parts needing upkeep.
How long does backup power last?
On a full charge, it sustains 20A loads for 1 minute or 18A for 2 minutes, covering typical engine start durations even on larger engines.
Where should I install the StartGuard?
Mount it near your house battery bank or electronics panel for short wiring runs, ensuring good ventilation and protection from direct water exposure.
NewMar StartGuardProtect Your Sensitive ElectronicsThe abrupt DC system voltage drop that accompanies engine starting can cause microprocessor-driven communication and navigation electronics to "dump" programmed memory.StartGuard solves this problem by providing supplemental voltage to sensitive electronics while the engine is cranked. It contains a sealed rechargeable battery which is switched on-line to electronics when the starter switch or solenoid is engaged. When the engine is running StartGuard automatically goes off-line and the internal battery is recharged by the alternator.
NewMar NS1220 Attributes
NewMar NS1220 Features & Benefits
- 13.8-14.8 VDC Input
- 20 Amp maximum output
- Dimensions: 8.25"H x 4.9"W x 3.5"D
- Weight: 5.5 lbs.
DC UPS: StartGuard
The abrupt DC system voltage drop that accompanies engine starting can cause communication/navigation electronics to "dump" programmed memory.
StartGuard solves this problem by providing supplemental voltage to sensitive electronics while the engine is cranked. It contains a sealed rechargeable battery which is switched on-line to electronics when sensing the starter switch or solenoid is engaged. When the engine is running StartGuard automatically goes off-line and the internal battery is recharged by the alternator.
Specifications
Input Voltage: 13.8 - 14.8 VDC nominal, 15.5 VDC max.
Relay Activation Input Voltage: 7-15 VDC
Output: 20 amps max.
Battery: 12 VDC, sealed rechargeable, 5- 7 year life (typical), 5 amp-hour capacity, Certified by DOT and IATA for shipment by air.
Back-up Capacity (Fully Charged): (See matrix)
| Model | Input | Back-Up Capacity | Dimensions | Weight | |||
| 1 Minute | 2 Minutes | Inches | Centimeters | Lbs | Kg. | ||
| NS-12-20 | 13.8-14.8 VDC Nominal 15.5 VDC Max | 20 amps | 18 amps | 8.25 x 4.9 x 3.5 | 20.1 x 12.5 x 8.9 | 5.5 | 2.5 |
DC UPS: The sudden drop in DC system voltage when the StartGuard engine starts will cause the communication/navigation electronics to be "programmed" and stored. StartGuard solves this problem by providing supplementary voltage to...
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Newmar NS-12-20 Nav Start Guard Technical Specifications
| Type: | |
|---|---|
| Vendor: |
NewMar |
| Weight: |
7.0 lb |
Newmar NS-12-20 Nav Start Guard User Reviews
Newmar NS-12-20 Nav Start Guard Shipping & Return
| Shipping Weight: |
7.0 lb |
|---|---|
| Box Sizes: |
1.00 (h) x 1.00 (w) x 1.00 (l) |
| Cubic Feet: |
1.0 |
| Returnable: |
Yes |
| USPS First Class: |
Yes |
| P65: |
Yes |
For detailed shipping policy please check our Shipping Policy and you can find our Return and Refund Policy here.