Wire gauge recommendation
To get the most efficent charging to my batteries, with cost kept in mind, what wire gauge should I use between the batteries and charger? I have a pair of 6v gc batteries. They're about 12-15 fee...
Forum Discussion
Not my opinion. Info from NEC and Interstate Battery Co. (please no adverse comments if you don't like Interstate Batteries) Info is provided for reference only.
www.batteries-faq.com/activekb/questions.php?questionid=1
www.jade1.com/jadecc/courses/UNIVERSAL/graphics/large/QID3144_large.jpg
The manufacturers (Interstate in this case) suggested charge rate is C/10 amps. C = 20 hour capacity in Amp-hours. For the given 12 volt application Interstates recommended initial bulk charge rate is 23.2 amps. Other mfgrs. recommendations are similar but may be more or less for their flooded lead/acid battery applications.
Yes, the battery bank (2 - 6 volt deep cycle batteries in this case) will accept 75 amps for a while before they start to heat up excessively off gassing hydrogen and oxygen. (an explosive mixture) If not quickly vented to the atmosphere and if it finds an ignition source it WILL blow the tops off the batteries and spew H2SO4 everywhere. (including your face, eyes, clothes, etc. if you are too close) The plates may still be functional though if you add more electrolyte.
As the state of charge comes up, the charging amps WILL taper so IMO the charge rate and related voltage drop in the wires is largely a moot point. (if the charger is set to automatic mode)
Many things can happen with excessive off gassing. If the OP is not around, the propane detector solenoid can trip, BUT the battery bank keeps off gassing. (charging) If the batteries (like mine) are mounted under the entry stairs or in a poorly vented compartment where gas can collect inside or below the MH, . . . . Can you say BOOM? In my 50 years of experience I have personally seen this happen, . . . . more than once!
That's why the nerdy engineers limit the suggested charge rates. (to protect those people who DON'T know any better) Those who DO know better are not subject to their charts.
If it can happen, it eventually will! (to somebody)
Chum lee
www.batteries-faq.com/activekb/questions.php?questionid=1
www.jade1.com/jadecc/courses/UNIVERSAL/graphics/large/QID3144_large.jpg
The manufacturers (Interstate in this case) suggested charge rate is C/10 amps. C = 20 hour capacity in Amp-hours. For the given 12 volt application Interstates recommended initial bulk charge rate is 23.2 amps. Other mfgrs. recommendations are similar but may be more or less for their flooded lead/acid battery applications.
Yes, the battery bank (2 - 6 volt deep cycle batteries in this case) will accept 75 amps for a while before they start to heat up excessively off gassing hydrogen and oxygen. (an explosive mixture) If not quickly vented to the atmosphere and if it finds an ignition source it WILL blow the tops off the batteries and spew H2SO4 everywhere. (including your face, eyes, clothes, etc. if you are too close) The plates may still be functional though if you add more electrolyte.
As the state of charge comes up, the charging amps WILL taper so IMO the charge rate and related voltage drop in the wires is largely a moot point. (if the charger is set to automatic mode)
Many things can happen with excessive off gassing. If the OP is not around, the propane detector solenoid can trip, BUT the battery bank keeps off gassing. (charging) If the batteries (like mine) are mounted under the entry stairs or in a poorly vented compartment where gas can collect inside or below the MH, . . . . Can you say BOOM? In my 50 years of experience I have personally seen this happen, . . . . more than once!
That's why the nerdy engineers limit the suggested charge rates. (to protect those people who DON'T know any better) Those who DO know better are not subject to their charts.
If it can happen, it eventually will! (to somebody)
Chum lee
