Shedding voltage on charging system...

chipco3434 · 24th April 2006, 01:59 PM

I have a bank of batteries on my boat. They are Alpha Gels. They have a float charge spec of ~13.8 volts. Alternator is outputing at ~ 14.0-14.2 volts. Is there anyway to shed some slightly reduce the voltage to this bank?

Secondary regulator?

poobah · 24th April 2006, 03:22 PM

Chipco,

Probably no reason for concern unless your alternator is running 24-7.

Float voltage specs are derived based on continous charging. Relatively brief periods at 14.1 will cause little, if any, harm. In fact, it may be healthy in terms of giving the cells a good "equalizing" now and then.

chipco3434 · 24th April 2006, 05:06 PM

Thanks!

poobah · 24th April 2006, 06:04 PM

Should have been more specific...

Float voltage for continuous charging is spec'd for gels at 13.5 to 13.8 Volts.

Float voltage for "cyclical" charging is spec'd at 13.8 to 14.1 Volts.

So you're cool.

24th April 2006, 01:59 PM	#1
chipco3434 diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Racine, Wisconsin	Shedding voltage on charging system... I have a bank of batteries on my boat. They are Alpha Gels. They have a float charge spec of ~13.8 volts. Alternator is outputing at ~ 14.0-14.2 volts. Is there anyway to shed some slightly reduce the voltage to this bank? Secondary regulator?

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24th April 2006, 03:22 PM	#2
poobah diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2005	Chipco, Probably no reason for concern unless your alternator is running 24-7. Float voltage specs are derived based on continous charging. Relatively brief periods at 14.1 will cause little, if any, harm. In fact, it may be healthy in terms of giving the cells a good "equalizing" now and then.

24th April 2006, 05:06 PM	#3
chipco3434 diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Racine, Wisconsin	Thanks!

24th April 2006, 06:04 PM	#4
poobah diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2005	Should have been more specific... Float voltage for continuous charging is spec'd for gels at 13.5 to 13.8 Volts. Float voltage for "cyclical" charging is spec'd at 13.8 to 14.1 Volts. So you're cool.

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