Anyone tried running 24v oil pressure, water temp with 12v

[Fuss]

I have a complete spare instrument panel for my boat but it is 24v and my systems are 12v. The instruments have 24v labels. Anyone with experience or thoughts on what will happen if I connect it to the 12v multiplug (identical wiring)
I imagine the panel lights will be dimmer and maybe diodes create a minimum voltage limit.??
Tachometer has a 12/24 label.

[tkeithlu]

The tachometer runs on pulses, so probably can digest 12v and run. An oil pressure sender is a resister, with the gauge being a voltmeter. It's not likely to give you meaningful numbers when the starting voltage is 12v.

[Fuss]

thanks, the tachometer will be ok as it is 12 and 24 volt. with the gauges, if they indicate different i could put a white mark on the position so i know what is normal... i have a dual panel below so i can compare before making the mark on the24volt panel.

[tkeithlu]

Sounds like what I'd do! Plug it in and see what happens. Good luck with it, and tell us what happens, even if it is embarrassing.

[oleman]

STOP.
There are numerous DC-DC inverters to convert 12 VDC to 24 VDC for less than $50 US.
You can easily create a local 24 VDC source from the current 12 VDC system.

[Fuss]

yes, that’s right but then this new 24v might get fed back out of the instrument panel. for example, the engine stop on the motor is a 12v solenoid, when you use the stop switch, 12v is sent to the solenoid and the motor stops. i have no idea if this would remain 12v or become 24v and damage the solenoid.

[Jesse]

It seems like this project might be like combining the Oops factor with Murphy's Law. You could wind up with teeth marks on your tushy, good luck

[transmitterdan]

The light bulbs will be dim. Both the backlight and the warning lights. Warning buzzer will not work right either unless it happens to be a 12/24 buzzer (it might be). Replacing the bulbs will fix the dim issue.

The oil and temp gauges will probably not read anything. Or it’s possible they will read something but just not the right values. I would guess they will be way off and not usable.

The start circuit should be the same as a 12V so it should work.

I would ask a dealer for advice too. They may know the tricks needed to convert from 24 to 12.