battery boosters

[sarah23]

I have bought a heavy duty battery charger/booster and have just read the instructions and it says not to use a 13amp plug but either an industrial supply or a heavy duty plug. Does any body please know What plugs i need and can i then plug it into a domestic socket.

 

[Simsar]

Interesting I was only looking on ebay today as our battery is flat too, must get an isolator fitted! I will e mail the seller and ask him if you like.

 

[Echo Bravo]

Assuming that the charger runs from single phase mains and not 3-phase, then in an industrial environment, you would use a 16 Amp 3 pin circular blue plug. This latches into a mating circular wall socket and and is splashproof rated IP44.

I think you would get away with fitting a 13 Amp heavy duty rubber plug instead. Check the rating plate on the back of the charger and make sure that the current consumed is not more than 13 Amps.

 

[Simsar]

LOL Baffled! Could you come and fit the plugs scared now!

 

[sarah23]

I bought this one if it helps any, so can i use it. Sorry I'm a women and can't do all the technical stuff

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MASSIVE-520-AMP-12...=item5d277d016e

 

[Echo Bravo]

Simples - just get a rubber 3-pin plug from your local hardware shop and fit to the end of the cable. Plug this into a normal domestic socket.

The advantage of a rubber plug is that it doesn't break so easily when you run over it with your tractor.

LOL

 

[Simsar]

Mail the seller.

 

[sarah23]

I did days ago but still waiting for a reply and i need to get it sorted ASAP.

 

[Echo Bravo]

Sarah - the BC520N needs a 33 Amp supply, you cannot connect it via a 13 Amp plug - see page 5 of the service manual:-

http://www.clarkeservice.co.uk/manuals/battery_chargers/bc120n-520n.pdf

You would need to connect this in a similar way to a cooker or electric shower which have a 30 Amp rated fuse.

 

[Mike007]

I suggest you take this back and get a smaller one, it is complete overlkill for what you want.I use a Clarke BC210N which can be run off a conventional socket and also does 24 volt. It cost about £100 plus vat from machinemart.

 

[perfect11s]

I would just like to add a few points firstly you need to be very carefull if they are frozen and you boost charge they can explode also if the lorry is newer than 2001 its very likely to have electronics !!!which can easly be damaged by chargers

also fast charging wrecks baterys so if you like big repair bills
carry on boosting !!! the corect way to deal with the problem of a seldom used vehicle is to put the batterys on a overnight trickle charge the day before a trip or better still disconect them when not being used and give them a overnight charge once a month... also remember a battery should be charged at 10% of its amp hour rating most lorry baterys are about 120AH so a 12 amp charger would be ideal

 

[Simsar]

Thank you.