You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Outdoor gate power supply
- Thread starter ukrkoz
- Start date
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Draw a picture (pecil and paper is fine) and post it here. We will let you know if you are on the right track.I don't understand electricity,I am mechanical guy. But it needs to be done. And I am not paying someone $80 and hour to come and connect wires.
Bigbandguy
Well-known member
My suggestion (and a cheap one) would be to lay hands on a heavy duty computer style UPS. Forget the internal batteries, hook it to two bigass 12 Volt batteries in parallel or 4 sixes in a waterproof box. The UPS will keep them charged and any outage you have is not likely to be longer than the life of those batteries. Usually the UPS can be had as a surplus freebee with worn out batteries, hence the outboard approach. Put the whole mess in a waterproof box and bury it by the gate. Plug the opener into the UPS and the UPS into your usual mains power. DONE. if this dupes anyone else my apologies.. I just got the idea that some of the ideas, while quite good, were more than necessary and I did not read the whole thread.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Your diagram is fine, assuming you are using 2 12V batteries.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Newer UPS will actually shut themselves off after a certain period of time, not based on battery voltage. Seems silly, but I have this from a good source.My suggestion (and a cheap one) would be to lay hands on a heavy duty computer style UPS.
He is better off with an inverter charger. (Someone who knows their way around a little of basic electrical devices could wire up the same functionality with better quality, industrial level component probably for the same or less money.)
Your diagram is fine, assuming you are using 2 12V batteries.
I got this email today from AIMS:
Yes, this inverter will work with your wattage requirement.
To size a battery bank we take the hours needed continuously x watts = total watts/DC volts=amps needed. If you use 300 watts for one hour a day you will need a minimum 50 amp hours in your battery bank to keep it at 50%.
Folks, one last question.
Where do I find a suitable case for the project? Reasonably priced? Keeping in mind, humidity is very high in PacNW. Sealed enclosure will only collect it inside, I think? I know batteries can be set outside, Maybe covered or in large plastic box with lid. They work fine like that at my rental for years.
It's the electronics enclosure I am not certain about.
Where do I find a suitable case for the project? Reasonably priced? Keeping in mind, humidity is very high in PacNW. Sealed enclosure will only collect it inside, I think? I know batteries can be set outside, Maybe covered or in large plastic box with lid. They work fine like that at my rental for years.
It's the electronics enclosure I am not certain about.
ard
Well-known member
What is the exposure rating of the item you are buying? Ive lost track....
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I got this email today from AIMS:
Yes, this inverter will work with your wattage requirement.
To size a battery bank we take the hours needed continuously x watts = total watts/DC volts=amps needed. If you use 300 watts for one hour a day you will need a minimum 50 amp hours in your battery bank to keep it at 50%.
Lead acid batteries will not last long if discharged to 50%. Your inverter will likely cut out do to low voltage before the battery hits 50%.
What is the exposure rating of the item you are buying? Ive lost track....
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E3V66ZE/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.aimscorp.net/1000-Watt-Pure-Sine-Inverter-Charger-12-volt.html
Not sure how to find exposure rating
Lead acid batteries will not last long if discharged to 50%. Your inverter will likely cut out do to low voltage before the battery hits 50%.
I'll definitely get BIGGER battery than they suggest.
ard
Well-known member
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E3V66ZE/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.aimscorp.net/1000-Watt-Pure-Sine-Inverter-Charger-12-volt.html
Not sure how to find exposure rating
That is an unprotected box, so no splash rating as such. Also no humidity rating I can see. Says it should be used only above freezing too.
I would not put it in a sealed box, AND I would not bury it. Simple house/box, airflow, rain out, no windblown rain in.
I'll then simply find a metal case, like for outdoor electric panel. Maybe thermally insulate. It does not get real cold here but it can hit 17 degrees. Was once in my 24 years here. Won't hurt to put some insulation. Usually, winter is 32-34, sometimes drops below freezing but not for long. but it rains and rains and rains for months.