Rerouting Converter Connection
Been thinking about rerouting the 12V output connection of my PDI 80 amp converter to reduce voltage drop when in boost mode. Current configuration: Converter (rear of coach) -> 12V Power Panel...
Forum Discussion
UPDATE:
Well, weather finally got decent enough to work on the wiring. I could not use #2 wire as #4 is the largest that will fit in the terminal strip on the converter. Total length was 14 feet for positive wire and 13 feet for negative. The positive is longer to route through the Bussman 100A circuit breaker mounted on the other side of the partition from the battery compartment. Obviously, all wire penetrations through partitions are grommeted. Wires are enclosed in 1" wire loom (that split plastic stuff). Batteries were at 12.5V when I started the voltage loss comparison. Using the original pathway, voltage measured at converter was 14.47. Voltage at batteries was 13.38. switched over to the new path and voltage at converter was 14.47 and voltage at batteries was 14.36. So I went from a 1.09V drop to a 0.11V drop. Granted, I doubt the converter was putting out 80A, but I am happy eliminating 0.98V of loss. Will see how it does when batteries have been discharged further.
If I am still not happy, I can run a second set of #4 from the converter to the battery and breaker. Hopefully that will not be needed.
Well, weather finally got decent enough to work on the wiring. I could not use #2 wire as #4 is the largest that will fit in the terminal strip on the converter. Total length was 14 feet for positive wire and 13 feet for negative. The positive is longer to route through the Bussman 100A circuit breaker mounted on the other side of the partition from the battery compartment. Obviously, all wire penetrations through partitions are grommeted. Wires are enclosed in 1" wire loom (that split plastic stuff). Batteries were at 12.5V when I started the voltage loss comparison. Using the original pathway, voltage measured at converter was 14.47. Voltage at batteries was 13.38. switched over to the new path and voltage at converter was 14.47 and voltage at batteries was 14.36. So I went from a 1.09V drop to a 0.11V drop. Granted, I doubt the converter was putting out 80A, but I am happy eliminating 0.98V of loss. Will see how it does when batteries have been discharged further.
If I am still not happy, I can run a second set of #4 from the converter to the battery and breaker. Hopefully that will not be needed.
