Mailing List lml@lancaironline.net Message #64149
From: Dennis Johnson <pinetownd@volcano.net>
Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: [LML] Over voltage
Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2013 08:32:00 -0500
To: <lml@lancaironline.net>
Charge voltage varies a little depending on different battery chemistry.  My Panasonic battery came with instructions to charge between 14.5 and 14.9 volts.  If your battery didn't come with instructions, you might check the manufacturer's web page.  However, I don't think there is anything magic about these numbers.  Our batteries are rarely at the optimum temperature anyway, so a few tenths high or low isn't cause for worry.  
 
I'd suggest adding an overvoltage disconnect to protect your electronic equipment from high voltage and then set up your engine monitor to alert you to low voltage, which will happen within a minute or two after the overvoltage module disconnects the alternator.
 
I can't say if 16 volt excursions damaged your electronics.  Many components now are set up to operate on 12 and 24 volt systems; those would take 16 volts without trouble.  But in our experimental world, it's hard to say how robust every component is.  Install an overvoltage disconnect and you won't need to worry about it.       
 
Unless your batteries specify it, I would think that a constant charge at 16 volts would tend to boil off the water, which is not good. 
 
Dennis
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