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split charger on Maplin
Posted: 16 Jan 2007, 22:08
by kevtherev
Posted: 16 Jan 2007, 22:52
by dbroada
I have seen this before but rejected it as I think 8A is cutting it very fine. A smartcom relay (Towsure) would be a better bet if you want a voltage sensitive solid state relay (which I assume the Maplin one is)
E D I T, only fair I add a link.....
http://www.towsure.com/product.asp?p=1828
Posted: 16 Jan 2007, 23:03
by kevtherev
By cutting it fine in what respect?
it's fine for charging two batteries
Posted: 16 Jan 2007, 23:20
by dbroada
I know JK sell the 15A relay for a split charge system but I have known of many melt their fuses. For a vehicle split charge system - which is what I assume this to be intended for - a 30A fuse & relay is much more common.
I am happy to withdraw my post if you are saying an 8 amp relay will work.
Posted: 16 Jan 2007, 23:59
by busbuddy
I've seen loads of them jk 15a ones get cremated when the leisure battery is stone dead, the alternator will be pushing all it's amps straight to it. I would recommend 25a minimum for a home made system but some of the expensive purpose built ones have amp stoppers in them that regulate the amount being sent to the leisure battery.
The size of the wiring on some of these units is thinner than the one to the radio and it's supposed to charge a 85a+ battery from dead, okay if you are driving solid for a couple of days.
Factory fit ones are usually 30a and 75-100a for the hook-up charger
Posted: 17 Jan 2007, 08:41
by Mocki
IME using voltage sensing chargers is no good on our vans, they are designed for caravans, save your money and fit a manual system, it will be safer and more reliable.
Posted: 17 Jan 2007, 13:03
by Other-Power
I agree,
Having fitted a second battery into my bug and spending to much time and to much money replacing three i went and made one out of a Lucas relay rated at 55amps (same as the alternator).
After adding a fuse inline and not one problem, well one problem blew the fuse when i left the lights on and used the second battery to start the car.
apart from that, all good. those ones you buy look good and are easy to fit, but there made in china and the copper tracking on the board to the relay blows before a 10 amp fuse does
http://www.freewebs.com/carawagon/Split ... _relay.gif
Regards Jonathan
