West Marine Portable Battery Charger

[unbusted67]

Hey does anyone own one of these?

West Marine: Portable Battery Chargers Product Display

I am thinking about getting the 30 amp model. Why are they so cheap? That makes me nervous. If the thing can draw 30 amps how does it plug into a regular 15 amp socket without melting cables and tripping breakers?

[Sailmonkey]

30 amps @ 12 volts = 360 Watts
360 watts = 3 amps at 120 volts
assuming a perfect no loss world.
in reality you will only acheive 85-90% efficency, pushing your consumption closer to 4-5 amps.

[unbusted67]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

30 amps @ 12 volts = 360 Watts
360 watts = 3 amps at 120 volts
assuming a perfect no loss world.
in reality you will only acheive 85-90% efficency, pushing your consumption closer to 4-5 amps.

Oh yeah duh. Thanks

[btrayfors]

I have the 30A model. It's a good deal, even a VERY good deal when on sale for $89 as it was recently.

Only gripes I have are: (1) the LED readout isn't visible in bright sunlight; and (2) the equalization cycle is really "equalization lite".

Aside from that, it's a fine little charger.

Bill

[unbusted67]

Originally Posted by btrayfors

I have the 30A model. It's a good deal, even a VERY good deal when on sale for $89 as it was recently.

Only gripes I have are: (1) the LED readout isn't visible in bright sunlight; and (2) the equalization cycle is really "equalization lite".

Aside from that, it's a fine little charger.

Bill

What does "equalization light" mean?

[btrayfors]

It means that the voltage doesn't get as high as I like, nor the charge applied for as long as I like, before it declares the battery bank "FUL".

But it sure is better than nothing.

Bill

[phantomracer]

Just got it (30 amp) too. on sale. works quite well.

If you leave it plugged in, even after 'full', it will keep cycling to keep it topped off. So it is still pretty 'smart'

I would rather have it be a bit less agressive than overly agressive and boil the water off. But agree, the equalization seems to be a bit quick. Then again, I have brand new batteries..so I wouldn't expect a long time equalizating.

But a stunning value from West! I see no downside to the charger. If there is one, I can't find it.

Having the higher amps and charging it faster is a nice plus.