Re: "Special" items when converting to 12 volt?

Posted by HH56 On 2008/8/29 13:47:01

Power draw is all the time while engaged. The duration will depend on what temp you have called for and how hot the ambient is. Watching the Ford cycle, with it about 90 degrees ambient, car temp set to what I think comfortable, the clutch was on about 30 seconds and off 10-15. On cooler days, it would be less on time and vice versa.

Also be aware that when a coil is energized there is a surge current for a few milliseconds that can be substantial, as well as an increase in voltage or back EMF when it's turned off. On older cars or basic systems with relay and switch logic it's not an issue. On newer cars or electronic systems these spikes are controlled by various means. Just be aware and take that into account if you're thinking of using anything solid state to run the clutch.