Battery Charger unusual query

**mns488** · 8th October 2009, 12:46 PM

Hi,

Given I have been killing batteries reguarly due to cars lack of use I have (after some reading on here - thanks drivesafe) decided to get a car battery charger.

The queries I have:

1 Is the CTEK 3600 a suitable choice?

2 I assume it won't cause the dual battery system problems?

3 (the unusal part) The only location that I can charge it is while I am at work in the basement car park. There is power there but obviously I would want to close the bonet enough so i could lock the doors.

a Is it unsafe to run the charger with the bonet mostly down (at unlatched stage so the bonet alarm sensor is fine)?;

b If not, can I lock the car but not alarm it?

Vehicle: D1 300tdi (Battery as of today Optima RedTop)

Thanks

**nice1guv** · 8th October 2009, 01:00 PM

I think you can lock the car with the key (not the remote) and only the immobiliser will activate.

Best try and see.

**mns488** · 8th October 2009, 01:14 PM

Thanks NG

Not mine, key locking always activates alarm.

**pando** · 8th October 2009, 04:14 PM

Hi Guys,

Maybe speak to a sparkie and get a caravan inlet (as opposed to outlet) installed somewhere inconspicuous, maybe behind the front or rear bumpers?

The ones I have seen come with a dust and moisture proof lid, dunno how they would stack up to being submerged though if thats your thing?

Would want a reminder that is connected though, without bonnet ajar, I know I would forget about it a drive away with it still connected!

**alien** · 8th October 2009, 05:14 PM

As a thought could you wire up an Anderson plug?
You wouldn't have to lift the bonnet then and if it's mounted right and you did drive away it would simply fall out.

Cheers.

**Blknight.aus** · 8th October 2009, 05:49 PM

just a trickle charger will do the job, your trailer plug should have an active and an earth, if it does just wire your charger up to the trailer plug and your set.

**spudboy** · 8th October 2009, 07:44 PM

CTEKs are excellent chargers. Mine's even got a temperature sensor in the alligator clip to slow down the charging if things get too warm.

If you just poke the wires under the bonnet, switch it on, then close the bonnet you'll be fine.

**pando** · 8th October 2009, 07:45 PM

Originally Posted by alien d2

As a thought could you wire up an Anderson plug?
You wouldn't have to lift the bonnet then and if it's mounted right and you did drive away it would simply fall out.

Cheers.

Hi Guys,

Dunno about using an anderson plug in a 240vac mains circuit, theoretically the car becomes an "appliance" and as such, would need to satisfy the AS 3000 (what ever it is) equivalent for caravans or appliances. The anderson plug may well be all good for 240v, would need to see what (if any) Australian standards it has been certified against.

Thats why I suggested the caravan type socket inlet. A bit bulky I know, and getting it to fit neatly would be a bit of a headache, but, it would be the compliant way of doing it if you don't want any doors or the bonnet open. I'll have a look next time I see one stationary, but I'm pretty it's the way the ambos do it.

Mr Drivesafe may have come across this before, any suggestions?

**Sprint** · 8th October 2009, 08:01 PM

the point with the andersen plug is to have the charger outside the vehicle with the other end of the andersen plug on the chargers output leads

**pando** · 8th October 2009, 08:32 PM

oops,

My Bad, one of those "forest for the trees" scenarios on my part.

Feeling a bit sheepish........baa

Thanks for pointing that out.

"engage brain before the keyboard"

Thread: Battery Charger unusual query

Thread Tools

Battery Charger unusual query

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions