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electrical:12v:alternator [2020/05/21 10:46] frater_secessus [isolators] |
electrical:12v:alternator [2020/06/23 11:59] frater_secessus [manual switch] |
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Power from the alternator is shared with the house battery using an isolator (" | Power from the alternator is shared with the house battery using an isolator (" | ||
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+ | ==== manual switch ==== | ||
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+ | [[https:// | ||
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+ | Pro: very little to go wrong. | ||
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+ | Con: must be operated manually and one must remember to do so. Leaving the switch in the combined position when not driving will drain both the house and starter battery. | ||
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==== constant-duty solenoid ==== | ==== constant-duty solenoid ==== | ||
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===== 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: |
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+ | **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. | ||
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Note that you will only have to run the POS+ leg of wire to the house battery as the chassis ground is the other leg. | Note that you will only have to run the POS+ leg of wire to the house battery as the chassis ground is the other leg. | ||
- | ==== alternator hacks === | + | ===== alternator hacks ===== |
There are ways to get the alternator to pump out more power: | There are ways to get the alternator to pump out more power: |