Voltage Converter Questions

[NewB]

I have a simple question for the voltage converters. I want to install one so that I can put a couple of 12vdc power sources. I have a 48 Vdc cart with 6 8vdc Trojan batteries. My question is do I need to put in a 48vdc to 12 vdc converter or can I put in a 32vdc to 12vdc converter just accrossed 4 batteries. I just don't know if this would create any issues with charging or other battery problems.

[Stevegrmich]

. . . it is highly recommended to install a reducer that utilizes the entire pack of batteries, in your case a 48v to 12v unit . . . most people install one in the 20-30amp range, depending of planned accessories . . . utilizing a fuse block with separately fused outputs is also recommended . . . there are fuse blocks available that also have a common negative buss for the accessory's negative wire eliminating the need for each accessory to run to the main negative battery terminal . . . only one negative wire would be connected to the main negative battery terminal coming from the fuse block common negative buss . . .

[89GatorClub]

Originally Posted by Stevegrmich

. . . it is highly recommended to install a reducer that utilizes the entire pack of batteries, in your case a 48v to 12v unit . . . most people install one in the 20-30amp range, depending of planned accessories . . . utilizing a fuse block with separately fused outputs is also recommended . . . there are fuse blocks available that also have a common negative buss for the accessory's negative wire eliminating the need for each accessory to run to the main negative battery terminal . . . only one negative wire would be connected to the main negative battery terminal coming from the fuse block common negative buss . . .

+1 that's the only way I did/would do it

only thing i would add to Steve's advice is an on/off switch or wire it to the key switch that way it is not on when cart is sitting

[89GatorClub]

Originally Posted by crash test dummy

only thing i would add to Steve's advice is an on/off switch or wire it to the key switch that way it is not on when cart is sitting

Yeah most if not all of the good voltage reducers have a switch wire

[MudHog]

I understand that the need for the converter to do many lights, radio, etc. If I was to run just the stock head lights, is the converter really needed? I would essentially be buying the converter just for headlights and I hardly drive the cart at night anyway.

as long as they are 16v lights ..2x8v = 16v

[89GatorClub]

Originally Posted by MudHog

I understand that the need for the converter to do many lights, radio, etc. If I was to run just the stock head lights, is the converter really needed? I would essentially be buying the converter just for headlights and I hardly drive the cart at night anyway.

You can as Crash has said, the only bad thing is you will greatly shorten the life of those 2 batteries.

[Volt_Ampere]

If you don't use the lights that much it won't shorten the life of your 2 batteries significantly! You do not want to use 12V blubs though. They won't last long at all. Better bet is to use a reducer even if you don't use the lights that much.

[MudHog]

My cart is 36v with 6v batteries, so I can easily do two batteries and 12v bulbs as they are now.


My cart doesn't go camping, so not like I ride around a campground and need lights. I only would use them if I go ride to my grandparents two houses down, so even then, the lights would be on for only a 1-2 minute drive.