LiFePO4 house bank, 2 years in

[s/v Jedi]

I agree that a 48V house bank is much more efficient than 12V or 24V... but:

- what do you do with engine mounted alternators?
- what do you do with your windlass?
- what do you do with your electric winches?

The above are all high power devices that it is not practical for to use dc-dc converters.

[nebster]

Originally Posted by evm1024

You can use marker paint to give a visual clue if the bolts have loosened.

https://markal.com/products/security-check-paint-marker

That is one example.

Hey, that's a good idea! I can actually see them much easier than reach them with the torque wrench.

But how easy it is to scrape that stuff off when I have to change something...

[nebster]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

I agree that a 48V house bank is much more efficient than 12V or 24V... but:

- what do you do with engine mounted alternators?
- what do you do with your windlass?
- what do you do with your electric winches?

The above are all high power devices that it is not practical for to use dc-dc converters.

If alternator-based charging is important, I think I definitely switch that one to a 48V model. There are plenty of those.

For the others, it seems like installing a buffer battery and a beefy charger would be one fairly straightforward way to bridge the gap.

We have a few decent-sized 12VDC loads as well, and we currently run a 1500W DC power supply for those that has worked flawlessly. The model I am using can be paralleled up to 6kW, so depending on the size, you might be able to get away without a battery. However, our biggest DC motor is only about 500W, and I think it may have a soft start cap on it to help it integrate better.

[evm1024]

Originally Posted by nebster

Hey, that's a good idea! I can actually see them much easier than reach them with the torque wrench.

But how easy it is to scrape that stuff off when I have to change something...

I've only used a black marker and not the paint. the paint is designed to crack when the bolt is turned so it appears to "chip" easily.

Nothing a wire brush could not take care of.

I see it mostly used on structural fasteners (bridges and truck/bus tire lugs).

I mark things like the bolts on my inverter and such.

[Q Xopa]

Originally Posted by evm1024

I've only used a black marker and not the paint. the paint is designed to crack when the bolt is turned so it appears to "chip" easily.

Nothing a wire brush could not take care of.

I see it mostly used on structural fasteners (bridges and truck/bus tire lugs).

I mark things like the bolts on my inverter and such.

For those wanting to go to this extent.

This is the stuff used commonly in Aviation.

Usually the QA guy will check all final assembly nuts starting at one end, with a spanner then apply some of this Torque seal.

It can be scrapped off with your finger nail.