I have 240Vac connected to the caravan at home on a timer 3 hours on a day. The battery voltage is now about 14.2 Vdc. Seems a bit high to me
I suspect that the onboard battery charger is faulty. 14.2 volts seems to me to be too high, gassing off etc.
My question is can I replace the onboard 12Vdc system with a permanently wired in "intelligent" charger? Will that not only charge the battery properly but provide a 12Vdc supply when on EHU to the lights, pump etc?
My smart charger ends its cycle at 14.4 V. but at a very low current. This is to saturate the plates, so they hold the charge for longer and to prevent sulphation.
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Quote: Originally posted by arc systems on 11/8/2011
NO, not on a 1996 van, all then were set at 13.8 volts, unless this ones been updated there is something wrong!
Good news is no harm as been done...yet
Thanks Garry, I was sure that something was wrong as it's never happened before in the 5 years that I've had this van.
Battery is now disconnected to save cooking it.
So, can I replace the old charger with a new intelligent charger and will it also power the 12Vdc systems when on EHU?
An "intelligent" charger will reach voltage levels above those some of the "12 VOLT" equipments ought to be exposed to; whether this then damages them is a risk, possibly an expensive risk.
The battery voltage should be checked after its removed from the charger for 6-12 hrs.this allows the "float voltage"to dissipate & you get a correct reading.12.8v dc full charge.
Just to double check your charger check across the vans battery connections (battery removed)with a meter,as Gary has said you should not get more than 13.8v dc