What is the purpose of a DC to DC charger?
Table of Contents
- 1 What is the purpose of a DC to DC charger?
- 2 Does a DC-DC charger need a battery isolator?
- 3 What is the difference between isolated and non isolated DC to DC charger?
- 4 Why should you install a DC to DC battery charger?
- 5 Can You charge a dual battery with a DC charger?
- 6 Can you add an aux battery to the starter battery?
What is the purpose of a DC to DC charger?
A DC to DC battery charger works with a 12V battery by isolating your main 12V battery system from the vehicle’s alternator. The DC to DC charger will then boost the charge of the main battery to maximize its charging capacity.
Does a DC-DC charger need a battery isolator?
We recommend DC to DC chargers over isolators because they protect the vehicle’s alternator, and maximize the battery’s lifespan. DC to DC chargers provide a multi-stage charge to the house battery and push more charge current than an isolator.
What is the difference between isolated and non isolated DC to DC charger?
What’s the difference between ‘isolated’ and ‘non-isolated’? ‘Isolated’ refers to a circuit separated from the AC line in order to prevent electric shock. A ‘non-isolated’ circuit is one not shielded from the AC power source, making electrocution possible.
When would you use an isolated power supply?
Safety requirements are a common reason to use an isolated power converter. For converters powered from high and potentially hazardous voltages (such as ac-dc converters powered from ac mains) isolation separates the output from dangerous voltages on the input.
Can I connect 2 battery chargers at the same time?
Yes, but it is best not to unless you know what you are doing. If you connect two different battery chargers to one battery (parallel connection) you run the risk that one will have a slightly lower voltage than the other one and that it will draw a large current from the other one, possibly damaging both.
Why should you install a DC to DC battery charger?
That’s why you should install a DC to DC battery charger. It enables the starter battery to remain fully charged before charging your auxiliary battery. This means that you will always have a fully charged starter battery.
Can You charge a dual battery with a DC charger?
Well, for starters you can use a DC-DC battery charger to ensure your dual or second battery is kept at its correct voltage, 100\% charged all the time, even if it is a fair way away from the alternator, say in a camper van or caravan.
Can you add an aux battery to the starter battery?
That works OK if the aux battery you add is not too much bigger than the starter battery. In the Mercedes Body and Equipment Guidelines it says the maximum charging current for the starter battery and any other batteries should not exceed 40 Amps.
Can I charge my auxiliary battery bank with the alternator?
Charging your auxiliary battery bank with the alternator is a simple, inexpensive and easy way of doing it. The advantage over a DC-DC system is a large charging current to bring low charge batteries back to service fast. The disadvantage is that todays Smart Alternators will wind the voltage and current back as the batteries are charged.