Is this converter safe to install?

DW and I installed the PD4645, held our breath, and turned on the power. It works!

Thanks, guys, for all the hand-holding. You gave me the confidence to go ahead with the project. I think we're going to be happy with the result.

BTW: The remote Wizard that I ordered with the PD4645 is not a simple plug-in. Neither is it like a TV remote. To use this remote, one must splice the cable on the remote into the converter wiring.

As requested:

6300 electric diagram

hedgehopper wrote:

bigfootford wrote:

32 to 45 will require determining the charge wire sizes and length...

OP, use this to determine what is required... Be aware that the distance must be X 2.. converter to batteries and back....

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/amps-wire-gauge-d_730.html

Jim

According to this table, the original equipment 10 gage wire is not sufficient for the original equipment 32 amp converter.

True.

Now for some reality.

The PD units produce max current at 13.6 VDC output with load when in bulk/boost mode.

Due to the 10 ga wire producing resistance the voltage drop of a 10' run (20'there and back) the voltage drop is going to be sufficient that max current is not going to be supplied for very long... I'm betting that there will be 1-1.5 volt drop from the PD to the battery (s).
So if your discharged battery is 12.2 (example) thus the voltage difference is going to make the PD start at 13.1-13.7 and rapidly raise up to the 14.X volts (14.4 max).... Charge current is going to drop off fast.... and will continue to drop as the PD finishes the bulk mode charge of about 4 hrs and then will drop to Absorb mode of 13.6 for about 30 hrs.


The graph of the following shows the timing for the various modes. It is a non technical graph. Look at it for the time spent in each mode.

http://www.progressivedyn.com/charge_wizard.html

Like Smkittner said, "As long as you have #10 wire to the battery the 4645 will work fine and provide improved charging and longer battery life. Never seen an RV with less than #10 wire to the battery. For top performance and fast charging to reduce generator time I recommend two batteries and pulling new #4 wire. ". You can add the bigger wire later or now....
Many of us keep the old wire in place and will do a piggy back with a bigger wire.

Some other makes of converters will produce max current at 14.2+... Those can be a problem with smaller wire.

Jim

You need to run #8 or #6 to the battery bank from the converter. Or fuse at 30 amps, or automatic circuit breaker at 25 amps.

hedgehopper wrote:

bigfootford wrote:

32 to 45 will require determining the charge wire sizes and length...

OP, use this to determine what is required... Be aware that the distance must be X 2.. converter to batteries and back....

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/amps-wire-gauge-d_730.html

Jim

According to this table, the original equipment 10 gage wire is not sufficient for the original equipment 32 amp converter.

6332 only puts 6 or 12 amps to the battery. #10 is used because of draws not charging. 32 amps is available to the RV not the battery. These are separated be a relay. If you need a circuit diagram just ask.

#10 unbundled open to the air with 105C insulation is good for 50 amps.

http://www.genuinedealz.com/voltage-drop-calculator

Most likely due to resistance you will not get the full 45 amp rating into the battery. Depends on wire length. Yes #10 will get warm as you go over 35 amps.

For best results pull #4 wire.

http://www.genuinedealz.com/4-awg-custom-battery-cables

bigfootford wrote:

32 to 45 will require determining the charge wire sizes and length...

OP, use this to determine what is required... Be aware that the distance must be X 2.. converter to batteries and back....

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/amps-wire-gauge-d_730.html

Jim

According to this table, the original equipment 10 gage wire is not sufficient for the original equipment 32 amp converter.

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

What size is the wire?

I assume you mean the wire to the batteries. It's 10 gage.

As long as you have #10 wire to the battery the 4645 will work fine and provide improved charging and longer battery life. Never seen an RV with less than #10 wire to the battery. For top performance and fast charging to reduce generator time I recommend two batteries and pulling new #4 wire.

sharkman wrote:

bigfootford wrote:

ScottG wrote:
The difference between 32 and 35 is insignificant. Go for it.

Ditto this!

Jim

The OP is going from 32 to 45 amp, the supplier was out of 35 amp, for safety reasons I would not put it in our TC.

Got that, 32 to 35 is ok...


Like Pianotuna asked, " what size is the wire"....

32 to 45 will require determining the charge wire sizes and length...

OP, use this to determine what is required... Be aware that the distance must be X 2.. converter to batteries and back....

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/amps-wire-gauge-d_730.html

Jim

bigfootford wrote:

ScottG wrote:
The difference between 32 and 35 is insignificant. Go for it.

Ditto this!

Jim

The OP is going from 32 to 45 amp, the supplier was out of 35 amp, for safety reasons I would not put it in our TC.