battery charger smoke

[dcate]

LaMarche A40-30-32V-B1

began humming loud enough for me to take a look inside the engine room on the hook. found the engine room smoky and strong electircal smell burning.

shut off charger. found "black melted stuff" coming out of the bottom of three "coils" in the bottom/left of box. The top "coil" appears to have been replaced at some point. you can see the black liquid in the bottom of the box which is coming from the bottom "coil"

all battery cells range from 1225 to 1250 and are close to 3 years old. both engines fire right up w/ no hesitation

any thoughts on what could be causing this charger to heat up, smoke, and smell?

Can't turn it on at all. starts smoking and smelling w/in 5 mins.

thanks

 

[REBrueckner]

Sounds like a ferroresonant type? And likely the transformer coil is burning it's insulation...perhaps insulation breakdown if 20 or 30 years old....

If a ferroresonant type, likey not worthwhile replacing.

 

[dcate]

does anyone know what would be a good replacement for this model charger?? Not looking for anything exotic....just want my boat to work...

(with the least amount of hassle )



thanks

(maybe even rebuilding this one...doesnt' matter to me....)

thank you

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Not many choices for 32v chargers. I just bought an Analytic BCA1000DM-220-32

Its a good smart charger for two banks with 30amp total output. It does have the equalize button on it which I like, but it is pricey.

 

[OBXTucker]

If you can wait a couple of weeks, I'm about to replace my two Sentry 32v with Outback 3232's. Both work fine and you'll like the price. Send me. PM.

 

[dcate]

Not many choices for 32v chargers. I just bought an Analytic BCA1000DM-220-32

Its a good smart charger for two banks with 30amp total output. It does have the equalize button on it which I like, but it is pricey.

the data sheet on my old charger reads "240v input" and "11 amps".

The Analytic shows a 220v/6.9 amp input

does this difference in volts matter?

(I'm assuming it does not) And the lower amps is a good thing and makes no difference....is this correct?

in other words.....just "swap'em out"???

..."as is"???

 

[SKYCHENEY]

the data sheet on my old charger reads "240v input" and "11 amps".

The Analytic shows a 220v/6.9 amp input

does this difference in volts matter?

(I'm assuming it does not) And the lower amps is a good thing and makes no difference....is this correct?

in other words.....just "swap'em out"???

..."as is"???

Yes, just swap em out.

220v and 240v input rating would be interchangable. Here is the link to the specs. It actually shows input of 210v to 250v AC and an input draw of 7.3 amps max. I know of 4 boats in my marina with the Analytic chargers, all Hatts. If you order one, but sure to add the digital readout to it. I think it's about $100 extra, but it's nice to know how many volts and amps of output charge are going to each bank.

Go here and click on "detailed specs":
http://www.analyticsystems.com/products/ac_bat_charger/bca1000.php

 

[dcate]

add the digital readout to it. I think it's about $100 extra, but it's nice to know how many volts and amps of output charge are going to each bank.

I'll have to have this feature added. It's pictured with the readout and I wrongly assumed it came standard. The one I ordered today....I'll change my order tomorrow and have the output readings added. I agree that sounds nice to have

Thanks for the heads up on it.

...and thanks to everyone

 

[steve940]

Hey Sky,

Could you compare the charger output/ controls/specs of the Outback with the charger output of the Analytic Systems???

As well, what is the average retail cost (w/o shipping) for each?

It would be quite helpful...Thanks...

Steve
1981 56MY (32 volt)

 

[jim rosenthal]

I couldn't find prices on their web site. What do these chargers cost- are the 120-12v ones the same price as the 240-32v ones? They look very well done.

 

[yachtsmanbill]

Just an update... picture this; 3.5 year old lead acid batteries, 32 VDC, 110 VAC 30A Charles charger, boat plugged in daily for 8-10 hours all winter, and on 24-7 past two weeks. Topped of with water yesterday and each cell took one pint. ws

 

[OBXTucker]

The Outback's run about $1,900 through several online sources. Haven't seen internet prices for Analytics.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Hey Sky,

Could you compare the charger output/ controls/specs of the Outback with the charger output of the Analytic Systems???

As well, what is the average retail cost (w/o shipping) for each?

It would be quite helpful...Thanks...

Steve
1981 56MY (32 volt)

Analytic is a two bank charger and you can purchase one for about $1300-1400. The Outback will only charge a single bank.

 

[OBXTucker]

Full Disclosure: I'm not an electrical genius.

That said, I was reading the spec sheet on the Analytic system discussed above and it says that for my 32V system, the battery size range is 120 - 180 amp hours. My Rolls 8V (x 4) are rated at 275 AH each. Am I missing something here - or is the Analytic underated for my system?

I'm still specing out the Outback 3232, but this thread caught my interest.

Thanks.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Full Disclosure: I'm not an electrical genius.

That said, I was reading the spec sheet on the Analytic system discussed above and it says that for my 32V system, the battery size range is 120 - 180 amp hours. My Rolls 8V (x 4) are rated at 275 AH each. Am I missing something here - or is the Analytic underated for my system?

I'm still specing out the Outback 3232, but this thread caught my interest.

Thanks.

I saw that too, but I think it's because this is a 30amp charger. It will just take longer to fully charge our Rolls.

Right now I'm running the Outback to charge my house bank and the Analytic to charge the start bank. Previously (for 6 years), I used only the Analytic.

You could call Analytic and ask for Kim in tech support. He has a heavy Asian accent but if you listen closely, you probably won't miss too much of what he is saying.