Western Elegant 48 volt

[rbuggies48IN]

Currently have 6 - 8 volt T-875s (upgraded cart to 48 volt from 7 - 6 volt T105s)
So, I have a space for one additional battery. I want to set-up this as on an on-demand 7th battery for additional speed, etc. I have room for another 6 volt or 8 volt battery. I am thinking of using a low amp trickle charger for this battery as it will be off line a lot. I can hook the batteries up to allow this 'extra' battery to be the # 2 battery when it comes on line. I can do this with a 3 pole knife switch.

Questions:
* Can I do this with a 100 amp rated knife switch or do I need to go higher?
* Is a knife switch safe for this application?
* Curtis Controller has been rebuilt to 48 volt 700 amp. Rebuilder says it is good to 60 volt operation.
* Solenoid 48 volt HD 400 amp continuous, 1000 amp surge for 2 seconds
* Motor is an AMD 11 hp @ 48 volts and is a Bandit rebuild by Plum Quick

Comments/Suggestions please

[yurtle]

Controller is 700 amp, so I'd say a 100 amp switch is a tad underrated.

[yurtle]

Another consideration is your solenoid coil. Unless it can handle the extra voltage, you'd have to wire it, so the solenoid only sees 48 volts. Doable.

As to safety, I can't think of any problem, as you'd only engage it while the cart is not moving. No different than removing cables to clean them.

[rbuggies48IN]

Thank you for the feedback - much appreciated!! I will recheck my solenoid and definitely up the amps on the knife switch. The max my cart appears to see at a slam-it-to-the-floor start is 500 amps provided my using every 1.5 voltage drop across the batteries is equivalent to about 100 amps.

[yurtle]

Solenoid is probably fine. I don't know your driving conditions, but the only time I ever hit 500 amps was by rolling down my steepest hill backwards then slamming it to the floor. Only hit 500 amps for a second or less.

[yurtle]

I'd also wait for others to weigh in. It is Summer, so some may be busy doing other things.

[rbuggies48IN]

Thank you for all the responses. I have another question that you probably/most likely can resolve.

Cart won't operate in forward or reverse, but 12 volt system works fine.


Jumped the solenoid and can move forward and reverse

Checked the diode

connected B+ an B- from controller and got solenoid to click

But still no 'click' or movement when I hook everything back-up

I think I am missing the obvious or is something wrong with the controller?

Thanks for your time on this

[rbuggies48IN]

Fixed this issue soon after post. Frayed wire at Key Switch