O
Outofphase
Hello all, this is my first post so please don't grill me too soon
So I've finally got mains in my shed after a few years of using 12v lighting and rolling the extension lead out when required. For a year or two, I have been running 6 x 4.5w LED clusters as main lights using a pair of 12v 17ah Sealed lead acid batteries in parallel. I disconnect and charge the batteries individally on a dedicated 2A charger.
However, since I now have mains (but still want my batteries as backup), I want a way to charge my batteries in-situ. From what I read online, a regulated 13.8v supply can be left indefinitely on a 12v SLA to keep it topped up. I could easily make up a 230v - 13.8vdc supply but I don't want a shed full of hydrogen if I leave it on too long
Another idea was to have a 12v power supply and a DPDT switch to select between battery and 'mains' power. I would still have to charge my batteries, just not as often.
I have a good understanding of this kind of thing, but a little guidance wouldn't hurt
Would a constant 13.8v supply to the batteries kill them?
So I've finally got mains in my shed after a few years of using 12v lighting and rolling the extension lead out when required. For a year or two, I have been running 6 x 4.5w LED clusters as main lights using a pair of 12v 17ah Sealed lead acid batteries in parallel. I disconnect and charge the batteries individally on a dedicated 2A charger.
However, since I now have mains (but still want my batteries as backup), I want a way to charge my batteries in-situ. From what I read online, a regulated 13.8v supply can be left indefinitely on a 12v SLA to keep it topped up. I could easily make up a 230v - 13.8vdc supply but I don't want a shed full of hydrogen if I leave it on too long
Another idea was to have a 12v power supply and a DPDT switch to select between battery and 'mains' power. I would still have to charge my batteries, just not as often.
I have a good understanding of this kind of thing, but a little guidance wouldn't hurt
Would a constant 13.8v supply to the batteries kill them?