This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.
Both sides previous revision Previous revision Next revision | Previous revision Next revision Both sides next revision | ||
electrical:12v:alternator [2020/04/11 11:39] frater_secessus [voltage-sensing relays] |
electrical:12v:alternator [2020/05/24 12:08] frater_secessus [wiring] |
||
---|---|---|---|
Line 2: | Line 2: | ||
====== Alternator charging ====== | ====== Alternator charging ====== | ||
+ | |||
+ | aka Split Charging for our European friends | ||
In a dual-battery system((starter battery and house battery)) some of the alternator output is used to charge the house batteries when the engine is running. | In a dual-battery system((starter battery and house battery)) some of the alternator output is used to charge the house batteries when the engine is running. | ||
Line 43: | Line 45: | ||
- | Power from the alternator is shared with the house battery using an isolator of some sort. This allows the [[electrical: | + | Power from the alternator is shared with the house battery using an isolator |
==== constant-duty solenoid ==== | ==== constant-duty solenoid ==== | ||
Line 129: | Line 131: | ||
===== gotchas ===== | ===== gotchas ===== | ||
- | Alternator charging may bring some battery chemistries (like lithium) to unsuitably high voltages. | + | Alternator charging may bring some battery chemistries (like lithium) to **unsuitably high voltages**. A [[electrical: |
+ | |||
+ | **Idling the engine** to charge house batteries **can seriously overheat the alternator**. | ||
- | Idling the engine | + | In early morning when house battery voltage is lowest, **a plain solenoid may unintentionally allow depleted batteries |
- | ==== wiring ==== | + | ===== wiring |
2 gauge copper wire connecting the coach and house is recommended for most alternator charging installs. | 2 gauge copper wire connecting the coach and house is recommended for most alternator charging installs. |