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Old 18-05-2015, 14:36   #1
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Voltage Regulator

I am refitting my Rawson 30 with a new battery charging system and alternator.

If I install an ACR (bluesea) do I need to have a voltage regulator at the alternator (ARS-5 is the one I'm looking at).
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Old 18-05-2015, 14:46   #2
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Re: Voltage Regulator

Short answer is yes.

You do unless your alternator has an internal regulator. The ACR is only to allow you to charge a second battery that you want to keep isolated from the other battery(ies) when not charging. Personally I would go with an externally regulated alternator and a regulator that has temperature sensors at the alternator and at the main battery and will allow you to dial back the output of the alternator about 10% from its maximum rating.
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Old 18-05-2015, 14:58   #3
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Re: Voltage Regulator

Yes, get an alternator with an external regulator. You get good out put that way. My first real cruising boat was a Rawson. Dry boat at sea for only being 30 feet. The Ample Power Next Step and similar Regulators are good, not sure what they are named now though.
Don't go over 100 amp alternator on a single belt.
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Old 20-05-2015, 12:54   #4
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Re: Voltage Regulator

Check out Sterling products. I am replacing a AR-4 with their Advanced Regulator B. I bought last year for less than $100. I am using it with the old balmar alternator originally installed with the AR-4.
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Old 20-05-2015, 18:27   #5
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Re: Voltage Regulator

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady B View Post
I am refitting my Rawson 30 with a new battery charging system and alternator.

If I install an ACR (bluesea) do I need to have a voltage regulator at the alternator (ARS-5 is the one I'm looking at).
The answer to your question is NO, you do not "need" a voltage regulator just because you install an ACR.

They are two separate issues.

You might be interested in this before you buy the ARS-5

Alternator Regulators - The Differences between ARS-5 and MC-614 Units (SCROLL UP and see reply #5 in this link)

External regulation - SailboatOwners.com
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