32 volt system

custint · 05-13-2009, 07:14 AM

Can one leave the 32v and add 24v and 12v? If so how can this be achieved

K1W1 · 05-13-2009, 08:06 AM

Hi,

No, anyway 24 plus 12 was 36 when I went to school.

This answer was posted in this thread previously by CaptJ.

http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/77507-post14.html

custint · 05-13-2009, 08:26 AM

What was meant was if I left the 32V can I introduce a separte supply or by means of some type of transformer also get 12v and 24v.

K1W1 · 05-13-2009, 09:04 AM

Hi,

You really have to look at the economics of leaving the 32V System in place.

I see that you have another post where you are asking for re powering information.

If you are going to that major extent of work on that boat changing to a 24V System would make sense as I seriously doubt you would get any 32V Starters and Engine systems today.

If your batteries are still in good condition there is no reason I can see why you couldn't use 3 x 8V Cells to give you 24 V.

If you did somehoe find a set of engines with 32V Starting and Control you could also reserve the 32V for your starting etc and have another system giving you either 12 or 24 for other things you wanted to run, charging of these batteries would be an issue if you only had 32V Alternators on the engines. Maybe you could add a second alternator just for charging the 12 or 24V System or run an inverter off the 32V System that gave you some juice for a Battery Charger.

After reading all that back to myself I say keep one voltage and make it 24V.

Pascal · 05-13-2009, 09:32 AM

if it ain't broken, don't fix it!

if you are repowering, then converting to 24v should work and may be a good option depending on what you have to replace (water pumps, heads, etc...)

IF you are just considering the conversion because you fear 32v items are hard to find, I think you're wasting your time. 32v itmes like pumps and bulbs are pretty easy to find, most good shops can rebuild 32v starters and alternators.

that said, there are some things which only come in 12v or 24v flavor. My boat (older Hatt, 32v) uses the 12v inverter bank to power electronics as well as a few items like oil change pump and shower sumps. it's easy to add a 12v or 24v panel for such loads and leave teh original 32v stuff alone.

an alternative is to use a 32v to 24v (or 12v) converter instead of battteires, although i think the risks of failure are a little higher but obviousy a converter is maintenance free.

Capt J · 05-13-2009, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by custint

Can one leave the 32v and add 24v and 12v? If so how can this be achieved

Yeah, but you'd have to have a totally seperate bank of batteries and battery charger for the 24 volt bank. The 12 volt is usually achieved by having a generator designed to use 12 volts for starting, and you can run your electronics off of that, and it too needs it's own battery charger. I agree with Kiwi, if you're going to repower ditch the 32 volt system, and switch your engine and house batteries over to 24 volts as well as all of your systems. You shouldnt have too many systems to convert. You can also use like a Newmar transformer for different voltage on small items but they don't work as well as batteries at that voltage.

dennismc · 05-13-2009, 01:34 PM

Here in the PNW 32 v is still available for parts, starters, (you can use 24 v starters on 32v ok).
alternators etc, etc...my 70 ft Stephens is mostly 32 v and so far all is well.

If you do change down, re wire all the new voltage circuits.

partgypsy · 07-31-2009, 01:36 PM

I know this is an old post and I generally agree with the idea of 24 volts. Before you start chucking your old wire (and there will be lots of it). Check the sizes already installed. My old Chris w/a 32 volt system (DD diesel's) used the same wiring as the 12 volt gas engime models being built in the same plant. Result was much heavier gauge wire than I need for 32v, but perfect for 12v.
e.g. My 32 volt cabin lights run through #10 wire.