Posted by Arthur P. Bloom on Tuesday, November 04, 2003 at 5:46PM :
In Reply to: 12 volts from a 24 volt system posted by Paul(in NY) on Tuesday, November 04, 2003 at 5:23PM :
You can do it without harm to the batteries or charging system, not withstanding what you will read here after I post this.
As long as you are only connecting 12-volt devices that are either used sporadically, or which draw little current, you will be fine. For instance, a two-way radio, such as a CB, uses very little amperage during stand-by (receive) but uses a few amps when transmitting. But since you only transmit 1% of the tieme, if that, its no problem.
I would NOT hook up a winch that way. It uses way too much juice, even during its short duty cycle. Of course, in an emergency, do what you need to do to get home. For an electric winch, either get a 24-volt one, or add a 12-volt alternator/battery combination for a separate system.
You will now hear from the experts who will scare you with such terms as "equalization", "Float charge", "over- (or under-) charge" etc.
Trust me: you, your batteries, your generator and your truck will be OK.
Arthur P. Bloom
Bell System power technician in a former life.
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