24 volt battery chargers

Submitted: Tuesday, Jan 23, 2018 at 21:27
ThreadID: 136143 Views:2738 Replies:8 FollowUps:1
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I have a 24 volt system in my boat & need advice on buying a battery charger, I have been charging with a 5amp ctek smart charger, one at a time, but it is fiddley,
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Reply By: IvanTheTerrible - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2018 at 21:48

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2018 at 21:48
place the batteries in parallel and charge both at once
AnswerID: 616327

Reply By: ray t1 - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2018 at 21:53

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2018 at 21:53
Yer Ivan, they are wired to run a 24 volt electric motor, so at the plug is 24 volts
AnswerID: 616328

Reply By: RMD - Tuesday, Jan 23, 2018 at 22:22

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2018 at 22:22
ray t1
Because the output of a Ctek is autonomous, ie not connected to anything but itself, simply buy a second charger, same as, and have it connected across the other battery.
When connected there will be one red and one black clip on the centre link.
Both chargers then plugged into same 240v source or 240v with timer control if required, the chargers can be left on there until you float the boat.
That will save opening the connecting series heavy link cable joining the two and remembering to rejoining again when trying to juggle 12 charger to do both at same time.
Pump motor won't be affected as it only sees the 24v total.
AnswerID: 616329

Reply By: terryt - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2018 at 06:43

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2018 at 06:43
https://www.jaycar.com.au/12v-7-2a-24v-3-6a-9-state-charger/p/MB3613?utm_campaign=redirect&utm_source=MB3606r&utm_medium=web

I have it's older brother and it works fine
AnswerID: 616333

Reply By: tonysmc - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2018 at 09:16

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2018 at 09:16
I use a Minn Kota MK2 onboard battery charger and love it. It will charge both batteries while the boat is running off the boat motor. When I get home I just connect a charger to the 12v auxiliary battery to top it up and the Mk2 will automatically top up the other 2 batteries (24 volt system) at the same time. The only thing you need to do is have isolator switches because, as the charger is always connected, it draws a minute (I think milliamps) amount of power to analyse if it should be charging or not. Not normally an issue but may drain the battery if not using the boat for 6 months or so.
I currently have 4 batteries in my boat and charge all 4 at once. 2 run at 12 volt and 2 in series running at 24 volt. I basically have the same dual battery system you would have in a car. Starter battery being charge off the alternator which is then connected through a redarc to the auxiliary to run all the accessories. This auxiliary is then connected to the MK 2 charger which chargers 2 x 12v in series batteries.

Hope this helps.

Tony
AnswerID: 616335

Reply By: ray t1 - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2018 at 09:20

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2018 at 09:20
Very interesting, cheers
AnswerID: 616336

Reply By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2018 at 15:41

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2018 at 15:41
.
Hi Ray,

There are countless 24 volt battery chargers available. I cannot understand why anyone would want to muck around with fiddly reconnection in order to employ a 12v charger.

Google "24 volt battery chargers" and you will have many to choose from. Pointless in me making a specific recommendation. Fix a budget price then select a supplier that you feel confident with.
N.B. the cheapest may not be the wisest purchase.
If you like, make a selection then post it here for me and others to pass judgment.
Cheers
Allan

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AnswerID: 616337

Follow Up By: PhilD - Thursday, Jan 25, 2018 at 00:27

Thursday, Jan 25, 2018 at 00:27
I have a Xantrex 24 volt charger that served me very well when I had a 24 volt truck. It is able to charge 3 different banks of differing or same battery types. Since then it has been gathering dust! There are other brands available.
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FollowupID: 887699

Reply By: Member - Trevor_H - Friday, Jan 26, 2018 at 22:48

Friday, Jan 26, 2018 at 22:48
Two identical 12 volt chargers linked in series will charge a 24 volt battery set up.
Treat the chargers as if they were batteries with the positive lead of one connected to the negative lead of the other. Used this for years to charge light aircraft 24volt batteries.
AnswerID: 616385

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