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Can you connect a 12 volt auto alternator to a 24 volt system to charge the batteries?
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
If you connect an alternator that has been designed for charging a 12 volt battery to any 24 volt system in an attempt to charge its batteries, that alternator will not work because of either of two different reasons:
- if the 24 volt battery is completely dead or flat the 12 volt alternator will not be able to charge it to much above 18 volts. That is about as much practical use as having a flat 24 volt battery!
- if the 24 volt battery is not "flat" but has a voltage that is in its normal range - between about 23 volts and 27 volts - the 12 volt alternator would not do anything because its output voltage cannot go high enough.
Some more facts:
12 volt systems
An alternator designed to charge a nominal 24 volt battery will have a voltage and current regulation system to control its output voltage between about 13.5 and 18 volts and an output current that could vary between zero and about 40 or 50 amps.
The overall range of current amperage output from the alternator would vary from vehicle to vehicle depending on the sizes of the alternator and battery and those in turn would be sized to match the likely normal current amperages drawn by the vehicle's ignition, night-time road lighting, air conditioning and other systems.
The actual charging voltage and current being output from the alternator at any instant depends on the "state of charge" of the 12 volt car battery. A nominal 12 volt lead-acid type car battery that is flat has a voltage of about 11.5 volts or less. One that is fully charged would have a voltage of about 13.5 volts.
24 volt systems
An alternator designed to charge a nominal 24 volt battery will have a voltage and current regulation system to control its output voltage between about 27 and 36 volts and an output current that could vary between zero and about maybe 80 or 100 amps.
The overall range of current amperage output from the alternator would vary from vehicle to vehicle depending on the sizes of its alternator and battery and those in turn would be sized to match the likely normal current amperages drawn by the vehicle's ignition, night-time road lighting, air conditioning and other systems.
The actual charging voltage and current being output from the alternator at any instant depends on the "state of charge" of the 24 volt vehicle battery. A nominal 24 volt lead-acid type battery that is flat has a voltage of about 23 volts or less. One that is fully charged would have a voltage of about 27 volts.
Only in the instance where two 12 volt batteries were connected in series to produce power for a 24 volt system, could a method be devised to use a 12 volt alternator to charge the batteries independently.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
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How do you connect two batteries in one car?
If the car is a 12 volt system, then you will want to connect the batteries in "parallel". IE: negative to negative and positive to positive. Because of "cranking amps" it would be advisable to use a cutoff switch when starting the car. (The switch would interrupt the power from one of the batteries so the amperage wouldn't toast the starter) Also, the alternator should be isolated as to charge the batteries one at a time.
If you have 50 batteries in a car do they all need to be ran through the alternator?
50 batteries?? Are you running a competition grade sound system?? Here's my two cents. Chances are, you alternator was designed to charge a single battery. Making it charge 50 at once will likely kill the alternator. However, if you don't hook up your extra batteries to the alternator, they obviously won't get charged. If you will be remotely charging the batteries, (say at home in the garage) then I guess that won't be a problem. But if you do want to charge them while the car is running you'll probably have to set up a special charging rig, or at least a much stronger alternator.
Explain why a 24v system that runs off of 4 batteries which includes a 12v feed- that's powered by two of the batteries are getting no charge from the alternator.. the other two are charged well.?
With the batteries in series, the alternator provides the same current, and therefore the same charge to all the batteries. The alternator can take no account of any current being drawn from the 12V take off point. Part of the charge current is being fed to the 12V load and not to the batteries. Therefore, the 12-24V batteries are being fully charged while the 0-12V batteries are being partially charged. Over a period of time, the difference between the charge levels will become more obvious.
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A low battery charge is a sign of failing battery or charging system. most batteries last 4-5 years then need replacement. If your battery will not hold a charge have your alternator checked. most auto part stores will test your alternator for free.
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Assuming the truck has a 12 volt system, connect the batteries in parallel, that is positive to positive and negative to negative.
How many parts does the charging system have?
The charging system on modern cars has 2 parts. The alternator and battery. On older cars there is also the voyage regulator. On modern cars it is built into the alternator. The electrical system however has many more parts.Alternator, voltage regulator, and alternator belt. The batteries themselves are part of the cranking system, not the charging system.
How do you charge two 6 volt batteries with a 12 volt charger?
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yes, it's the alternator. I have a 87 Lincoln town car as well and when the alternator is bad it will not hold a charge. In your message system it should be saying charge system, that what's it's telling you. Hope this helps
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Remove any wiring from batteries, connect positive post of one battery to the negative post on the other battery. You now have a 12 volt battery system. Connect your charger to to unused positive and negative posts and they will charge as a 12 volt battery. Need more help contact me through my board and I will try to help.
How do you connect a 12 volt winch to 24 volt system?
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