As my inverter/converter is not charging my batteries, it still seems to be converting shore power to DC. What would be the lowest safe voltage on the house batteries before damage is done?
Thanks for the help.
Mike
Mike,
Need more explanation. "Converting shore power/120 VAC to DC" IS, repeat IS battery charging.
If lead acid or AGM batteries, 12.2 VDC is as low as you want to take them for long battery life.
The voltage is showing between 12.35 and 12.5. The charging mode of the Heart25 will not work. If I turn the charge mode on, the red light remains on, and voltage stays at that level. With the mode function off, same thing. I have put a charger on the batteries, and voltage will go to 13.3 to 13.5. When I remove the charger, voltage eventually goes back to 12.35 to 12.45 and remains.
I am assuming the Heart 25 is providing that voltage through the batteries.
Mike
Time to replace the Heart 25. It has lasted a long time.
I would think that is what your batteries are at. Nothing to do with your inverter.
Yes, am ordering a Freedom 458 model 81-2530-12. I was told this would utilize the Link 2000 interface which is what I have, and would pretty much be 'plug and play'. Is anyone familiar with this unit, and have any comments? I would appreciate comments or criticisms on this choice.
Thanks for the help.
Mike
Mike,
The Freedom 458 is a modified sine wave inverter. IMO, since you going to the trouble of installing a new unit, I believe you would be better served by choosing a pure sine wave model. Just my opinion.
https://www.xantrex.com/power-products/inverter-chargers/freedom-458.aspx
I agree with Chuck. Going with a pure sine wave will cost you more, plus cost of adding the new display but I think in the end you will be way happier, along with all of your equipment that is using the inverter.
When I installed the Magnum 2812 the new controller display fit where the old display
was and I use the old control wire. I had to do a small modification to the old rack
for the Magnum to fit. With the modern electronics you need a pure sine wave inverter.
Mike I think you need a quick lesson in battery voltage, battery charging, and making assumptions.
Measure your battery voltage after a 3 hour rest. 24 hours is better, but three hours works in the real world. 12.5 to 12.7 volts is fully charged. 12.2 is 50% state of charge and the lowest you should drain lead acid batteries.
The reason for the resting period before measuring voltage has to do with the chemistry of lead acid batteries. The final chemical reaction of the three chemical reactions involved with charging and discharging lead acid batteries takes about 24 hours to complete. After 3 hours it's mostly done and we aren't going to fuss over less than 1/10 of 1 volt.
If your current charger inverter was doing anything to keep the batteries charged you would be measuring 13.2V. That is a good voltage to keep the batteries from self discharging. 13.6V is a good slow charge from 80% state of charge to full, and 14.4V is good from 0 to 80% state of charge.
And finally, reach a little deeper into your pocket and purchase a pure sine wave inverter. There are enough people on this list qualified to talk you through any problems you might have with the installation and the electronics in your modern toaster will thank you.
Art
EDECOA 2500W 5000 Watt Power Inverter Pure Sine Wave 12V dc to 120V ac LCD... (https://www.ebay.com/itm/233644494775)
I have used 2 of these . No problems and good price .
My charger ," Currently" in use.; PowerMax 110 Volts AC to 12 Volts DC 60 AMP PM3-60 RV Converter | eBay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/154441323476)
Seems to work fine on my cheap LA batteries.