Is this converter safe to install?

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