T&T: 24 volt charger replacement...

[Mike Maurice]

Jeff wrote:
> Yes, I know that combining two 12 volt chargers in series will create
> 24 volts but my understanding is that it isn't a safe way to charge
> the 24 volt bank.  A better way to combine them for charging is to
> split the bank

Jeff is quite right.


Where does anyone get the idea that running two chargers in series is 
safe, effective, or practical?

Is it from anything in writing from the manufacturer? Is it in the 
documentation manuals that come with the equipment? Is it from some 
credible verbal source associated with the manufacturer?

Even parallel usage may not be safe, or practical, depending upon the 
design of the control circuitry, the size of the cabling, the 
arrangement of the grounding, the isolation of the DC and AC components, 
and the list goes on.

Even if it appears to work when tried, it may violate the manufacturers 
warranty. It may not be safe, due to the design of one or both of the 
units. It may not be safe, due to something to do with the wiring of the 
batteries or their condition.

If it appears to work it may not be safe in the long term due to 
potential for overheating which may not be apparent until a fire has 
occurred. Any such usage that does not reside within the generally 
accepted methods of operation should be confined to emergency use only 
and constantly monitored.

This is one of those ideas which varies from poor to worse.

Regards,
Mike

_________________________
Capt. Mike Maurice
Tigard, Oregon (Near Portland).