14.7 volts safe for motorhome?

[poppycamper]

Hi all...new to forum but not to motorhoming. But i am also new to solar panels.
Have just got a van conversion that has a Leoch AGM battery fitted.

I am in the process of fitting a 200w solar on roof connected to battery via Votronic 250 MPPT controller. This controller has 2 AGM settings:- 14.4v and 14.7v
I have always believed that AGM's need 14.7v so i have always charged battery out of van.

I very rarely use EHU and will rely on solar to charge the battery.

So to my question... is it safe to supply potentially 14.7v to motorhome electrics??

Sargent EC155
Truma combi
Dometic 8000 fridge freezer

Thanx

 

[Dazzlin]

Yes.
I have been running our Leoch AGM batteries on solar from a votronic regulator at 14.7v for nearly 5 years and they are still like new.

We, like you rarely hook up.
When you do, beware..... I know folks that have killed AGM on hook up for any length of time as the mains charger usually only goes up to 14.4!!!

 

[funflair]

The 12volt components of the motorhome should have a tolerance for those voltages and when full charge is reached the voltage will reduce on the float stage.

Martin

 

[sallylillian]

My AGM's (Varta) have a bulk/absorption of 14.8 with a float of 13.8 at 25c and I have been working with that setting for 3 years on my Victron and my Votronic without ill effect to my system. What I would suggest is that you check on the battery manufacturers spec sheet what charging voltage it requires, also have you connected the temp sensing wire?

 

[poppycamper]

Battery spec sheet suggests 14.4v to 15.0v which covers both votronic settings no not fitted a temp probe.
I have always looked after my batteries by never leaving them on EHU even at home...they were removed and charged in garage between trips.

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[Guigsy]

My solar charger pumps 14.7v into my hab battery. Generally I've had no issues...

Except, I changed my light bulbs to cheap household LEDs. Apparently they only like 12v. So when it's bright and sunny, you don't have the lights on... except in the loo. My bathroom light quickly started flickering and blew pretty quickly. It took me a while to realise it was related to the solar charger.

You can get automotive grade LEDs that'll take a wider input range, but I've not tried it yet. At the moment I've put an old incandescent back in the smallest room.

 

[sallylillian]

Battery spec sheet suggests 14.4v to 15.0v which covers both votronic settings no not fitted a temp probe.
I have always looked after my batteries by never leaving them on EHU even at home...they were removed and charged in garage between trips.

I suspect you have incomplete data, they would not quote a range but a specific voltage for bulk and absorption and another for float which dependant on your chargers sophistication would enable you to set the correct charging profile. AGMs are suseptable to pain from under charging as @Dazzlin has commented. I have always left mine on charge through the winter 24/7, again if your charger is sophisticated it will provide for a storage mode and settings for a periodic reversion to absorption voltage for say 4 hours a week to manage sulphation.

 

[poppycamper]

thnx for replies. I certainly feel easier now that their are a few out there that have been running 14.7v for a while with no damage. Although i dont want to deliberately murder my battery i would rather do that than damaged electrical appliances on the van.

 

[Richard n Ann]

My solar charger pumps 14.7v into my hab battery. Generally I've had no issues...

Except, I changed my light bulbs to cheap household LEDs. Apparently they only like 12v. So when it's bright and sunny, you don't have the lights on... except in the loo. My bathroom light quickly started flickering and blew pretty quickly. It took me a while to realise it was related to the solar charger.

You can get automotive grade LEDs that'll take a wider input range, but I've not tried it yet. At the moment I've put an old incandescent back in the smallest room.

These have got regulators in them and are rated up to 20 volts. I tested them up to 18v They are a bit brighter than the old 10w filament type too. I got the 2w warm white version.

 

[poppycamper]

Michael.. this is where confusion is coming from.

I may looking at wrong bit but the Leoch data sheet gives following info

Cycle use... initial charging current less than 42A voltage 14.4-15v at 25c
Stanby use...13.5-13.8v at 25c.

I like you thought it should be one or tother. or am i totally on wrong track?
Stephen

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[suavecarve]

I wish i knew half of what was going on in this thread

 

[eddie]

Just think whats happening with the engine running! In Parallel with the Engine starter battery and charging from an alternator designed for Lead Acid batteries at that!

We're all doomed I tell you! Doomed!