Frequently Asked Questions: Battery Equalizer/DC Autotransformer
What sizes do we make?
Equalizer Models
Does it put out 24 V from 12 V?
- Yes it does. Specifically the 12/24 V model will put out 24 V from 12 V. The output is not
regulated at a fixed value but is proportional to the input voltage. If you have a 12 V battery
voltage, the output is 24 V. If you have a 14 V battery voltage, the output is 28 V.
- If it is required to have a fixed output voltage, for example, 28 V on the load from the
12 V battery use model CVP 12/24-15. This unit outputs a fixed current limited voltage from the
12 V source (or 24 V). This may be required to run a submersible pump from a 12 V battery, or to
charge a 24 V battery from a 12 V battery source.
Can I charge a 36 or 32 V golf cart battery with the equalizer?
- Yes, model EQ 12/32-20 or EQ 12/36-20 will do this, but the final charge only reflects
the charge of the original battery. To fully charge the golf cart battery to full voltage, I
would recommend unit CVP 12/24-15 with its internal adjustment pot adjusted to the battery full
charge voltage, say 42 V for a 36 V battery instead of its shipped value of 30 V. The
internal LVD can be set such that the unit only charges the golf cart battery when the house
battery is above a certain level, say 13 V.
Does it work as a battery equalizer?
- Yes it does. It actually goes a step farther in that the power flow goes both ways. It will
keep the batteries exactly equal irrespective of which battery is weaker or at an incorrect value
initially or after time.
Does it come in an enclosure?
- Yes. The smaller unit comes in a small plastic enclosure. The midsize unit comes in a
NEMA 4 enclosure and the large unit comes in a NEMA 3R enclosure.
What voltages does it come in?
- Standard models cover the 12, 24 and 36 and 48 V ranges. Special models can cover a
multitude of ranges or odd battery voltage such as special gell cell voltages or Nicad voltages.
Can I charge a small 12 V trailer battery from my 24 V home system.
- Yes, but again model EQ 12/24-20 will charge the 12 V battery only to the same charge
level as the 24 V battery. Use model EQ 12/24-20 R14. This unit puts out a regulated 14 V and
will charge the trailer battery to 14 V irrespective of the 24 V battery charge. This model is
also handy when you have a fixed 12 V type voltage that you want to create from the 24 V battery
bank.
Do we make units that have a regulated fixed output voltage?
- Yes, all the EQ type units can be ordered with fixed output voltages.
- For voltages that are lower than the input voltage, add a -R XX to the EQ part number,
where XX represents the voltage you wish to regulate at.
- For example, model EQ 12/24-20 R14 will regulate the load at 14 V when powered from a 24 V
battery. Furthermore, the output voltage is adjustable with an internal pot so once delivered,
you can customize your output voltage. For example, this unit (after installer adjusts the
internal pot) can operate 16 V gas valves, 9 V or 8 V telemetry, 18 V ceiling fans, or charge
a 12 V battery to 14 V all from a 24 or 36 V battery. Model EQ 24/48-10 R14 will do the same
thing at half the current but from 24, 36, or 48 V battery bank. Special units are available
that will take up to 90 V input.
- For voltages that are regulated and fixed at higher than the input voltage, we recommend
unit CVP 12/24-15. This unit can run a 24 V type load at a fixed voltage from a 24 V battery
bank. It can also charge (once the installer adjusts the internal pot) a higher voltage battery,
say a 36 V golf cart battery.
Is it possible to wire the unit with electrical conduit?
- The standard units are delivered with flying leads through a conduit connector.
- Units that require conduit connections are readily available by adding a - C to the part
number. This tells the factory to install the internal terminal block and leave out the 1/2"
inch conduit connector where the wires currently exit. This way, the user can wire through 1/2"
electrical conduit directly to the unit with a proper conduit coupling and connect the wiring
to the internal terminal block.
Are fuses required?
- The EQ series has its own internal fuse and does not require external fusing other than
a fuse the user may wish to put in to protect his equipment. The fuse used is a ATC fuse
(automotive tab style) for the 12 and 24 V ratings and the Bussman GMT fuse for 48 volt
ratings. The very high power units require an external fuse due to the size of fusing required.
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