Date:         Wed, 14 Jul 2021 15:01:13 -0400
Reply-To:     David Beierl <dbeierl@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Beierl <dbeierl@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Fwd: Can I Set 13.6 volts at the Alternator?
In-Reply-To:  <CAMOH8LJ04c0jyPsxNm8UYCiHBvdeFpmGXE0eAOGP8N1C4VyfMg@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: David Beierl <dbeierl@attglobal.net>
Date: Wed, Jul 14, 2021 at 2:59 PM
Subject: Re: Can I Set 13.6 volts at the Alternator?
To: Derek Drew <derekdrew@derekmail.com>
Cc: vanagonlist a <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>


Then I wondered if such a high voltage would actually hurt anything
> in the van.
>

The nominal charging voltage of the OE voltage regulator is 14.1V at the
alternator.  13.6V is not sufficient to fully charge most batteries (and
the normal automotive electrical system is not designed to charge batteries
but only to maintain an existing charge). 13.6V at the battery is what
you'd use to "float" most batteries -- keep them charged but not charge
them.  To fully charge usually requires 14.5V or more (all voltages at
85F).  But once fully charged the battery should be floated at a lower
voltage.

Automotive appliances in general are designed to run over a nominal range
of about 11-14V.

Yrs,
d