Blown output fuses on battery charger

[nimrod1230]

Noticed the batteries were way down so plugged in the suitcase generator. No charge registering when monitored and found all three output fuses blown. Replaced and all back to normal? The previous day had been running the generator as using the electric winches putting the sails on for the season and the generator responded to the load each time so presume working correctly to keep up with load. Would this use be the cause of the blown fuses? i can't think of any other reason as all seems back to normal again though why all three would blow(domino effect?) when charging separate banks? I didn't notice immediately after using the winches if the charger had failed at this point. Over to the experts.

 

[nimrod1230]

Oh dear, no electrical experts able or willing to express an opinion?

 

[VicS]

Oh dear, no electrical experts able or willing to express an opinion?

Nobody knows!

Id think the winches could have blown the fuse on the charger supplying the battery to which it/they is/are connected.

No idea why the others went. i take it all charging Ok with new fuses fitted

Any fancy charge distribution system that could have put load on the others?.... thinking VSRs or similar.

Either dont run the winches while the charger is on or upgrade to a more suitable charger ????


That'll start the ball rolling .. somebody will disagree with me!

 

[nimrod1230]

Thanks Vic. I know I almost answered my own question but wondered if anyone might have experienced similar. The charge is split three ways and is rated at 60amp so rather expensive to upgrade. This is the first time we have tried the winch/generator combination and had probably better be the last. All works fine with the engine running so that will be our future method. The charger is indeed back to normal.

 

[lw395]

It will possibly have been caused by one of three things:
1) the charger is not self regulating, so drawing a heavy current out of the batteries over loads the charger
2) switching off the winch motor produces a big enough spike to blow fuses
3) the generator regulation is poor and the surge in input volts when the load stops causes the charger to be overdriven.
If the charger is rated at 60 amp, what is the fuse rating?
Are you using slo blo fuses?

 

[nimrod1230]

Thanks for your thoughts lw. I guess the answers are academic as I have what I have and it is all working again. To fill in the details. Cristek 12/60 charger. Three output fuses are automotive blade 20amp.
Generator, Honda EU20i running load demand throttle. Winches, Lewmar 46 electric, no idea of rating. Anyone in a similar position be warned.