Powering Aux Items w/o Voltage Reducer

libertybellcdr

Teach me guru's...

Trying to gather information regarding aux items powered by the battery pack.

If I run my spot light off of 2 of my batteries, how will it affect those two batteries? At what point does it actually 'do damage'?

The spotlight is 12v (2 batteries) and uses about 8 amps.

BGW

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Superman51

Hey Chris,
I am in no means an expert but I actually did a lot of research on this topic so I will just convey the information I gathered. This subject is not a one size fits all and the pros and cons must be measure for each individual needs. There are pretty much 3 options when it comes to adding an additional 12V supply:

Option 1: run your auxiliary 12V off two 6V batteries in your pack.
This option may be best for someone that MAY use the 12V power on rare occasions. It is the cheapest route because all that need is the wiring. From my research, the rare and occasional use of this method on very short periods should be fine. Now, with that being said……The major setback in this option is that it WILL put extra strain on the two batteries and could potentially harm them. How much strain depends of the batteries and the time put on them. There were a lot of “may” and “potential” and “could” words used. You are really taking a gamble with this option but, this may be the only option the budget will allow. Just remember this; what’s free today…..may cost you big time down the road!

Option 2: Use a reducer that takes your battery pack voltage and converts it into 12V.
This is recommended over option 1 because it uses the whole battery pack and doesn’t just single out 2 batteries. The experts say that this is probably the best overall solution because it pulls power from the whole pack. Also, you will not need any additional items (like another charger that will be mentioned in option 3) that can take up room and maintenance. The biggest setback to this option is the price for a GOOD voltage reducer. You want to get a quality reducer that puts out the larger amps. This can cost around $140ish. Another set back to the reducer is the amp output. If your just running lights then you should not have a problem but, if you run something that requires high amperage (especially a winch!) the reducer may not cut it. The last set back, although fairly small, is that your auxiliaries are drawing power from you main power pack that could reduce your overall run time from a charge.

Option 3: Use an extra 12V (DEEP CYCLE!!!!) battery to run your accessories.
This option is also recommended over option 1 as well but may or may not be better than option 2. People that use this method will usually have an extra deep cycle 12 volt battery that is usually installed under the driver’s seat next to (but not connected to) the main battery pack. On the EZgo, there is a great little spot for it. The benefits of this option is that there is a total separate 12V supply to power your accessories and it delivers higher amperage if needed (as with a winch that was mentioned earlier). One benefit this option has over option 2 is that it can cost less. I have found GOOD 12 (deep cycle) batteries with a 3 year warranty for around $60-$70 (with core trade in). Now, one very important thing to keep in mind is……….make sure you get a deep cycle battery. The deep cycle batteries are built for longer voltage/amp usage and will last longer. Can you use a regular ole car battery? Yes, but you will be replacing it within a year because it is not built for that longer amp draw and the charge will not last as long. Several disadvantages of the extra 12V battery include: added weight (although not much), need for another 12V charger, and needed room. As for the extra charger, I got mine at HF with a coupon for $20. It has several setting from the 54A fast charge to a 2A trickle charge.

I know this was a VERY long reply but there are numerous variables and situations that are user specific. Each person must look at the pros and cons for their set up (and the ever important budget) and then decide. In my situation, I use my cart for hunting and will have several lights, 12V outlet for the spot light/ other stuff, and a winch. I also already have a 12V battery charger so no added expense there. For me, it’s a no brainer, option 3 all the way. As for you, I would definitely recommend option 2 or 3 because you are adding lights and you said you are using your 12V outlet.

Tip: IMO If using option 2 or 3 (especially often), use a quick disconnect to the power source (reducer or battery). On your cart, keep a set of cables with clamps that have the quick disconnects on the end. This way, if your reducer fails or the battery runs out of juice, you can use two batteries from the pack as a last resort. This is especially important in hunting situations when you may be stranded in the woods. Just my 2 cents. Had a buddy learned the hard way and didn’t have lights to get back to camp after reducer failure. I hope I didn’t confuse you and I hope I lead you in the right direction. Once again, I’m not an expert and this is the information I have gathered from other knowledgeable sources. Let me know if I can help further.

wizardket

Good reply

libertybellcdr

This is a great reply. I appreciate it.

Superman51

Thanks. Just saw something I probably need to clarify, it was 12:30 am when I wrote it! On the voltage reducer, it doesn’t actually “put out amps”. It just allows, or doesn’t allow, voltage and amps through. That is why it is called a “reducer”.

Also, I stated that with the voltage reducer you can run your lights with no problems. This is true for regular ole driving lights. However, if you have several lights or some high power lights (like some 100 watts), you are going to need more amps than the reducer will allow. This may apply more toward hunting carts.

scottyb

Be sure to check the amperage output on any reducer you are considering. They vary greatly and basically a 10amp reducer will burn up with a radio and lights on it in my experience.

braxx

If you have a 36v cart. why couldn't a person wire an aux circuit by wiring the batteries into 3 groups of two batteries wired in series. So you would have 3-12v groups. Then wire the 3-12v groups in parallel. Wouldn't that give you 12v drawing from all of the batteries?

scottyb

No we went through this recently. You end up with a short. Draw it out.