Quote:
Originally posted by Chris Scott:
Sounds most plausible about unequal charge but I have to say I have been running a big compressor occasionally (as well as a 12v cig lighter all the time) off one of my pair of Optimas for 3 years and they seem to like it. Nevertheless, I may swap them when I get back - that way I can ruin both!
CS
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Hi Chris,
Yes, I noticed that in your book you suggested running a 12V compressor off of one battery in a 24V system! I wasn't going to mention it :-)
If you run the engine while operating the compressor, you will overcharge the unused battery. If you use the compressor without the 24V alternator running, the charging system will have difficulty bringing the used battery up to charge.
The same applies to even very small 12V draws.
Can you draw 12V feed from one battery in a pinch? Yes, if it really is an emergency, and you know the risk to your batteries. Remember to independently charge the two batteries from a 12V source as soon as possible to get them both to an optimum charge.
But don't steal 12V routinely, nor at high current. I expect your Optimas survive abuse better than most batteries, but you'd not want to fry or fatigue a £100+ battery...
I expect a caveat, at the very least, in your next edition!
Regards,
Michael...
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