Merlin conjures up 12V power
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• The new Voltec step down DC-DC converter from Merlin Equipment converts a 24V DC power supply on board larger vehicles to clean, well regulated 12V DC power for the operation of standard 12V radios, mobile phones, fridges and lighting.
Before now power converters were expensive and often inefficient, according to Merlin, resulting in most vehicles being fitted with many smaller step-down converters.
The new unit delivers a full 10 amps continuously, meaning that in most cases just the one is required for all 12-volt systems on board. This saves space, installation time, money and battery power. The Voltec is capable of supplying 20 amps for up to five minutes for loads which may have high startup or intermittent high power requirements. Merlin says that the Voltec is over 90% efficient to extend 24V battery life for as long as possible. To prevent battery discharge when the unit is in standby mode a special idle circuit has also been incorporated so that its standby current is a tiny 27mA. The "smart" electronics shut the unit down when its input supply drops to 20VDC to prevent battery damage caused by excessive discharge.
Contact: 01491 824333.