| Author |
Message |
Lorin David McCleary (Wacoastmci) (148.78.243.121)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 06, 2004 - 3:38 pm: | |
I'm sure this is a really dumb question, so apologies in advance to the experts on this site. Our bus has two 8D 12volt batteries connected in series for 24v output for chassis power. There is a Vanner battery equalizer in the system and 12V power is pulled off the 1st battery in the series for lights, etc. I'd like to hook up a Deltran 24V 3amp charger to keep the batteries up while parked for extended time.
My question is: since 12V is being pulled off the first battery in the series, will hooking up a 24V charger to neg on 1st battery and pos on second battery somehow goof up the Vanner equalizer or other 12 volt things like light bulbs? I realize the bus alternator is producing 24 Volts when charging, so it seems that a 24volt charger is what I need and wouldn't hurt anything. Correct? |
BrianMCI96A3 (65.41.212.127)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 06, 2004 - 8:34 pm: | |
If you are really worried you could put a switch between the neg post on the battery and the Vanner equalizer... that's what someone in the past did in my battery bay, just shut the switch off and it drops the equalizer out.
Having said that, I think the only way you might hurt the Vanner is if you caused a big arc while hooking up a charger, you certainly won't do anything to 12v lights or accessories.
Brian |
Buswarrior (Buswarrior) (64.229.212.145)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 07, 2004 - 8:21 pm: | |
Hello Wacoastmci.
The Vanner equalizer is constantly messing around with the two batteries to keep them equalized. If you use a digital voltmeter while charging, you'll see the voltages hunting up and down on each battery as the Vanner does its thing.
It would be prudent to keep it connected so that any imbalance in the set can be moderated while you are charging with your 3 amp charger. Batteries will last the longest if kept in balance. Otherwise, one is undercharged and one is overcharged.
Brian, I'd be curious as to whether switching one of the cables is good for the Vanner. Mine has a big sticker on it specifically detailing the order for connection and disconnection, presumably it matters? (also has the warning about doing any welding while it is connected to the coach)
What says who?
happy coaching!
buswarrior |
BrianMCI96A3 (65.41.212.127)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 07, 2004 - 10:18 pm: | |
To tell the truth, I have no idea Buswarrior, as I said the switch on the Vanner was there prior to my getting coach.
The label on the switch says: "switch to off before jump starting".
I'm assuming that was to prevent death by arcing...so to speak...same reason as the instructions on yours, I'm thinking.
Honestly, I haven't yet examined my Vanner to determine if it is working properly or not.
One thing I will do, at the very least, is update the wiring to it, and I'll check into how appropriate the switch is... I will also look into a new Vanner if this one is kaput. (grin)
Brian |
Ed Roelle (68.60.143.223)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 08, 2004 - 10:58 am: | |
Lorin,
Your set-up will work fine. The Vanner is made to operate exactly the way you will connect it.
The important element for the Vanner to equalize the batteries is that you are pulling your load from the 12 volt battery that is connected to chassis ground. |
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