Forum Discussion
westend
Jan 29, 2015Explorer
Plumber101010 wrote:
1) When plugged in, does ANYTHNG run purely off battery power still or only electric converted to 12 volt. Wondering after reading if I am overcharging my batteries by not using them for anything.No, your converter only applies the necessary charge to maintain the batteries at a full charge state, once charged. Variables on this include the fact that the 12V system is always interacting with the converter's output, the type or make of converter you have, and the health of your batteries.
2) With 2 Honda 2000 watt generators going. And by the math I learned here, 30 amps x 120 or 115 or 110 (still confused about which it is, it seems to vary in google) is 3600 watts, does the extra 400 watts go anywhere in helping me to run the plug in heaters, or no because the breakers and wring are still going to pop regardless of how much juice I have coming in over 3600 watts / 30 amps? If 30 amps is 3600 watts and I have 4000 watts, is the extra watts lost? Power consumption measured in amps is a measurement of power DRAWN from the power source through the resistance of the wire, switches, and the device being powered. You could have 10 generators capable of 16.6 amps and the power drawn would still only total the resistance of the heaters and wire mentioned above. Circuit breakers are set to trip at a slightly higher power set point than the rating. Continual tripping of a circuit breaker will lower the set point and eventually, lead to the circuit breaker not functioning.
The assumed power difference delivered (400W) is not "lost" because it is not DRAWN from the power source.
3) Regarding tripping breakers when running couple heater fans, Assuming at LEAST I can plug an extension cord into one of the Hondas 120 outlet in addition to the 30 amp plug and get it that way? The generator will be limited by the total power DRAWN by the heaters and wiring. Just changing the connection point will not allow the generator a greater power output (except for any difference in the resistance in the different wiring configurations,i.e. extension cord vs. shore power circuit).
Thanks everyone
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