low voltage cutout module
Submitted: Saturday, Apr 11, 2009 at 20:04
ThreadID:
67769
Views:
4029
Replies:
10
FollowUps:
21
This Thread has been Archived
Member - Andrew (QLD)
Hi all,
Is there such a beast as a simple to instal low voltage cutout module to protect battery systems?
We currently use some expensive 12v portable lighting systems for rescue purposes, though at the moment there is no protection of the sealed batteries (AGM i believe) from operators leaving the lights on and running the battery down below an acceptable value (3 guesses on how we found this out :-)). With their charging systems being somewhat proprietory fittings, and strangely enough not being to handle charging from such a low voltage, we need to protect the batteries from excessive discharge.
Any simple ideas or add-ins to protect the batteries.....we can gain access to the the battery compartments and have room for small components if needed.
I hope you understand where we are heading. ;-)
Andrew
Reply By: Maîneÿ [wa] - Sunday, Apr 12, 2009 at 00:08
Sunday, Apr 12, 2009 at 00:08
Andrew, you suggest a 10 Amp supply
check out this link:
Site Link
Battery Protector disconnects battery @ 11.2 volts
Automatically suspend power to any connected 12 volt accessory, with 10 amp fuse protection
Has LED indicators to advise if power has been suspended or if battery is in good condition.
Simply change the connections to suit your circumstances.
Just ..... $23.95
Mainey . . .
AnswerID:
359259
Follow Up By: Member - Andrew (QLD) - Sunday, Apr 12, 2009 at 07:43
Sunday, Apr 12, 2009 at 07:43
see followup above...
Andrew
FollowupID:
627246
Reply By: RV Powerstream P/L - Sunday, Apr 12, 2009 at 09:12
Sunday, Apr 12, 2009 at 09:12
Andrew
I have an American Made quality cut off unit that can switch up to 20A and carry up to 30A and the shut down voltage can be programmed to 11.8,12.1,12.7 and 13.5Volts using two dip switches.and it has a shut down delay that can be set to one of four preprogrammable times (0,5,10 and 20 Minutes).
The weight is 164G and the size is 121mmx84MMx34MM and is fitted with Anderson Power poles for easy fitting.
If you would like further info please email me at info@powerstream.com.au
Ian
AnswerID:
359283
Follow Up By: RV Powerstream P/L - Sunday, Apr 12, 2009 at 09:37
Sunday, Apr 12, 2009 at 09:37
I might add the unit is robust and ABS fire retardent ABS plastic and water resistant and can be mounted externally on the box with only the cables inside or left outside and they are a lot cheaper than the Redarc as displayed in the thread.
Ian
FollowupID:
627255
Follow Up By: RV Powerstream P/L - Sunday, Apr 12, 2009 at 09:38
Sunday, Apr 12, 2009 at 09:38
I might add the unit is robust and ABS fire retardent ABS plastic and water resistant and can be mounted externally on the box with only the cables inside or left outside and they are a lot cheaper than the Redarc as displayed in the thread.
Ian
FollowupID:
627256
Follow Up By: Member - Andrew (QLD) - Sunday, Apr 12, 2009 at 18:02
Sunday, Apr 12, 2009 at 18:02
sounds like a good product, able to be changed as required, though the price might be our concern. unfortunately we don't want to spend a fortune on the setup and some of the other concepts may be the go given their price range.
I won't rule it out when talking to our bean counters, thanks for the suggestion Ian.
Andrew
FollowupID:
627291
Reply By: Boobook2 - Sunday, Apr 12, 2009 at 10:56
Sunday, Apr 12, 2009 at 10:56
Just another thought FWIW.
A low voltage cut off will suddenly switch the lights off with no notice. Since the application is emergency lighting for rescue purposes, that may, or may not be desirable.
Derak
ABR also has a product caled a Volt minder. It makes an audable beep when the voltage gets to a preset level ( say 1l.3V). That would allow you to shut the lights down when you are ready and not ( say ) in the middle of using an angle grinder or worse.
The only issue is that it may not be loud enough, but that would be solvable.
AnswerID:
359291
Follow Up By: Maîneÿ [wa] - Sunday, Apr 12, 2009 at 11:22
Sunday, Apr 12, 2009 at 11:22
Somehow think they would have more than one light operating at a time.
When these very important lights are most possibly needed for longer periods of time they should have a method of recharging the batteries or replacing drained batteries in the very least.
Mainey . . .
FollowupID:
627263
Follow Up By: Member - Andrew (QLD) - Sunday, Apr 12, 2009 at 17:58
Sunday, Apr 12, 2009 at 17:58
Interesting thought BB2,
Depending on the situation they may be used by themselves or in clusters eg traffic control at vehicle accident (singular setup), scene lighting for Scenes of Crime Officers (police), storm damage operations etc.
They are modular and can be recharged whilst running, and changing packs takes 20 seconds if needbe.
Andrew
FollowupID:
627290