Windlass again

[emnick]

I read the post by PembrokeshirePromise but it has caused me some confusion; I have recently fitted a Lofrans 1000w Kobra.This has seperate solenoid etc. All went really well and it worked first time no problems (so far) However during the previous thread it was implied that even with no load (just lifting chain) the current draw was very high perhaps 100A as it is a 1000w motor. Surley the current draw is only at max when under load and the motor working hard.
I hope I am right as when I tested my one I did it while still connected to shore power and am worried if I have damaged my charger, what do you think. I tested with no load for a few seconds each way?

 

[bedouin]

The power rating on an electric motor is the maximum power it can put out. If you run a windlass with no load then it will not be using much power - as you say.

I don't think you will have damaged anything - I should think your charger will be fully protected against that sort of thing.

 

[jerryat]

Agree with Bedouin, you will have no problems. I use my windlass with battery charger connected every winter to remove the chain from the locker and put it back before launching.

You are correct that the windlass will only use somewhere near the maximum amperage at or near full load.

 

[Mudisox]

Don't worry, if you think about the overload protection which is designed to trip out when the current [therefore power needed] is too high for too long; it should only come into play when the max power is needed, i.e. pulling the boat up to the anchor in adverse conditions. Hence the normal advice is to always have the engine on, to take the boat to the anchor and also supply extra power via the alternator{and also maintain voltage, which in itself lowers the current] to the batteries to supply the winch.

 

[cpedw]

I don't want to worry you unnecesarily, as it's almost certian that you haven't damaged your charger. But it's not entirely true that the windlass motor only takes high current when it's loaded up.
When it's first switched on, the motor is just a long piece of wire between + and - on the supply. There is, for a short time, a very high current through the wire. This happens regardless of the load on the motor. The coils in the motor quickly set up magnetic fields that oppose the current, so reducing the current and when it starts turning, it gets a lot more complicated. But there is that first spike of very high current which can affect delicate equipment (not likely to include chargers).

Derek

 

[lw395]

Its not a great idea to run a big motor such as a windlass without a battery to provide the start current. You may also get a voltage spike as the motor is switched off, the battery helps absorb this. This kind of thing could potentially (bad pun) damage other equipment connected.
Most things are quite robust nowadays, but its better not to stress test them too often, particularly after the warranty expires!