48v to 12v converter - what and where to get?

SaltLifeCC

Sorry for the separate thread but wanted to get to the point after discussing this in a couple of my other threads.

I want to be able to run lights and a stereo (haven't installed yet) on my cart, often at the same time. What do I need to look for in a 48v to 12v converter and where's a good place to get it? When I google search, I get a lot of different things and it boggles the mind. When I search on ebay, most of what I find are various 10amp converters at various prices. I think I need something a little more heavy duty don't I? Do I need one that is specific to the make or model of my cart? Is there a sponsor here that sells them without having to go search every one?

BGW

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OLD MEC

Check with our sponsors as I'm sure one will be able to fill your needs. Yes as I said go with 20 amp unit that pulls power from whole battery pack not just one or 2 batterys.

scottyb

For lights, radio, or other 12V DC power needs, this voltage reducer is the only unit that handles 36/48V input with an impressive 30A output. It includes an additional wire to turn the unit on/off. ( key switch ) $171

Nothing is worse than blowing a low amperage reducer out or simply realizing your reducer won't meet your needs. This is the biggest one I can find.
You can PM me if you want OR shop the other BGW sponsors from the sponsor page

scottyb

It will connect at your battery pack main Positive and Negative 48 volts. You should have a voltmeter to verify where this is if you are not sure. The 12v output can be wired direct to a single device or to a small universal fuse panel available at any auto parts house. The fuse panel makes a nice safe install. The converter itself can be wired to turn on and off with the key switch.
Hope this helps

SaltLifeCC

So, input is positive on battery one and negative on battery 4 (entire 48v pack) and output can either be to a fuse block or split to multiple devices? And is the on/off with the key switch optional? If optional, does it run (drain) all of the time even when the cart is not in use and no devices are in use?

If anyone has any specifics about wiring one of these up on a precedent, I sure would appreciate it!

SaltLifeCC

Still interested in installation advice. However, I found out a friend of mine has a 30amp 36/48v to 12v converter that he has never used and is giving to me. Otherwise, I would be buying one of scottyb's. Where is the best place to install one of these converters on a precedent? He says the unit he is sending me is 8x8x5 and has tabs on the corners to mount through.

I'm not sure if his has the extra wiring to wire to on/off switch. How big a deal is that? Do these things run/draw all of the time if they aren't able to be switched off?

JMM_AZ

Scotty, what is the link for the reducer/converter you mention?