My assistant Naiche came by yesterday and helped me install the warmers. First step is taking most of the batteries out - the warmers fit pretty tightly and it is very difficult to shove them between the batteries. So, out they come, and in goes a warmer:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2RMGeZ0SkJ5ijNkAUhQfpH_FKPi8pE9bNm4nXK8kGjnAqHFBtgCcWF0Js8y-6cLwH8qaP-DN3s9263WtPzf12xFefHaeexv4eXlsz-FbfkbJ4nReEcC2PGVfqiIVwCZX1SRN0Xl71lgk/s320/01_Installing.jpg)
Here is the rear box, all complete (you can see the pink foam peeking out between the batteries):
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGbNL2AWySQy-JKCF6pP28E0KkigKwImGaAHKhCATZ9LrzR1UevSZ6-Mj9wDjyrYrOeQKnuRSHrNCn7t1KoSyoPQpV9nOS148MXCpyb7CpOI21nz_VkgoW5w9h63AFqyY90OsPWuC_95I/s320/02_RearIn.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTO2ZuzX_x5JxZZJxRmtItC7nmVY5iXc96Jry5kwpJAomRD0xY6mXarCFuAp5DYbIPIxKgvfhDRA5ponZvRrh7XlJRPy90vnIMi8vuhyjtT_ko86n67jQ2Jy5q7LBYPo3WGhyak_pI54/s320/03_Grommet.jpg)
All three warmers are hooked up to this terminal strip, with the input 120V AC line hooking up as well:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3H9SA0e2nZ2E0pLjMFUbdZeMBtj4ipHuXp0WApx-_5PyIt5Mh2J1bv92MazUHz2BruDjw46sgI_Ao6827LwcA9jMwu6wQJQ_JMYD0E40MchZBLPKt8iCxstWQHRHA2U-y5osFmju-E_4/s320/04_120_Wiring.jpg)
Finally, installed an inlet just like the 240V inlet (except with a 120V 15A plug) and wired it up. Here it is, plugged in and warming:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFaPUCZIXeRSUDoSaGERd5aIRVm98-VZ6oLA5uBG1-G5LrR_shbm_vTzAqPIi_AhG5IkFuAj65AVcxiIooY28RnuywtEPCyKGnSSalcsBOnOHnG09l9UAs5VnMRLbTYzOJl5PPoTxWOvU/s320/05_Warming.jpg)
Using a clamp-on AC ammeter, I determined that it is pulling about 5A, which is about 600W, which is about what I expect from the warmer cable I'm using. Not a lot of heat - but hopefully enough to maintain the batteries at a warm temperature. It's very cold out right now, so I'm warming the whole garage with a 4000W electric heater right now. I'll let the batteries stay at this temperature for about 48H and then see if the warmer can maintain them in the cold.
2 comments:
Very clever! How are the battery warmers working out?
Very well. They draw amps like they are supposed to, and the built-in thermostat turns off when it hits 72 degrees F. Almost ready to try it out on the road, within a week or two...
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