Question about the output of a car battery in amps

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the appropriate amperage output required for a 12v car battery to effectively power an electric anchor winch. Participants explore the specifications needed for the winch to operate smoothly, as well as alternative options for powering the winch.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the winch may require a higher amperage than the 3 amps provided by the initial inverter, suggesting that this low output causes slow and jerky operation.
  • Another participant mentions that medium winches typically run around 15 amps, although they express uncertainty about this figure.
  • The original poster later confirms that a 15 amp inverter works well with the winch, indicating that they have found an appropriate power source.
  • One participant suggests considering a 120v winch as a simpler and potentially cheaper alternative, implying a preference for different power solutions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that a higher amperage is necessary for the winch to function properly, with a specific mention of 15 amps as a suitable level. However, there is a disagreement regarding the necessity of the inverter versus alternative solutions like a 120v winch.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks specific details about the winch's power requirements, as the original poster could not find any labels or specifications. This absence of information may affect the reliability of the claims made.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in using electric winches, those exploring power inverter options, or anyone seeking to understand the amperage requirements for similar applications may find this discussion relevant.

wizer
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hi. I joined to ask this one question..but who knows maybe I will stick around and learn other things..lol...

I bought an electric 12v anchor winch which is designed to be used with a 12v car battery on a boat. I intend to use it to hoist my bicycles to the ceiling of my garage. However, the AC to DC power inverter that I tried, which outputs 3 amps...makes the winch run very slowly and with a jerking motion. I assume this is because the amperage is way low. So I need a power inverter with a higher amperage rating...

My question..how high?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF, Wizer.
The requirements should be listed on the label, or at least in the owner's manual. I believe that most medium winches run about 15 amps, but I'm not sure.
 
Danger said:
Welcome to PF, Wizer.
The requirements should be listed on the label, or at least in the owner's manual. I believe that most medium winches run about 15 amps, but I'm not sure.

Thanks Danger..

No label anywhere on the winch or on the manual...I know, there should be, right?

I ran over to RadioShack, and picked up a 15 amp AC to 12v DC power inverter and it appears to work perfectly.

So you are correct, and that confirms that I am in the right power range for that winch.

Thanks.
 
You're quit welcome.
 
Next time buy a 120v winch...cheaper, simpler and just plug it into any wall outlet...
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Increasing the output torque of a DC motor with gears
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
A question about battery powered cars
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Float charging batteries: what really happens?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Could you use Solar to power a DC to AC Inverter? (Description below)
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
How to make a custom UPS using an old PC power supply and 18650 batteries?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
A question about how to protect a battery of an electric car?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Boosting a petrol generator with a car battery?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
5K
12V charging circuit between two batteries limiting max amps
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
System design for charging battery from turbine alternator
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Can you damage your starter motor with too much current?
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
18K