17v - more than I'm happy with

[afterpegassus]

17v - more than I\'m happy with

I recently purchased a Sterling Pro dig regulator, a Sterling diode and the cheapest open batteries I could find.
I have a 70a alternator and two 12v banks of 220a and 180a.
All seemed fine until yesterday I tested the voltage on both and found my multimeter to be reading 16.9v and 17.2v respectively which caused me some alarm.
The reg showed the green high charge led.
Assuming my meter is working ok, what might be the problem?

 

[lw395]

Re: 17v - more than I\'m happy with

Probably a fault between the battery and the sense input of the regulator.
Or ground of regulator
Or reg is set for 24V?

 

[afterpegassus]

Re: 17v - more than I\'m happy with

Set-up is not long installed. All connections are clean and appear sound. Set for 12v.

 

[lw395]

Re: 17v - more than I\'m happy with

A quick sanity check of the meter on a 9V battery or your car.
17V will be enough to damage things like your VHF.
measure the volts between battery and reg, and all points that are supposed to be GND.

 

[pampas]

Re: 17v - more than I\'m happy with

If all your connections are clean and tight then the alternator regulator has departed this earth. You did not stae the type of alt. fitted but these items are relatively easy to replace.

 

[Ceejay]

Re: 17v - more than I\'m happy with

Would the batteries not be bubbling furiously at that sort of voltage. I would have thought they would be bone dry in no time at all. I would suspect the meter is at fault.
CJ

 

[Kylora]

Re: 17v - more than I\'m happy with

As others have said - suspect the meter. Digital multimeters have a battery ( usually PP3 ) and will give falsely high readings when the battery needs to be replaced.

Ash

 

[Anonymous]

Re: 17v - more than I\'m happy with

The original Sterling had a high volts trip circuit and a red LED. I'm sure the new ones do, as well. Adds support to the suggestion that it is your meter that is faulty.