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I have a MCI 8 with 24 volt DC system, have removed coach AC system and would like to convert to 12 volt DC system.
What is involved and what is an estimate of cost. I will do the work.
Remember the key fact. Your current will double and the wire was sized for 24V current. therfore you will most likely have to do a complete rewire. In the GM 24V coaches the most standard wire size was 16 gauge. This is a 10 amp max wire size. If you have a circuit, say running lights, drawing 6 amps at 24V then thwe current draw at 12V will be 12 amps. Your wire will eventually catch fire. First it starts to heat up. Then the wire resistance increases. Consequently more heat. Eventually the insulation fails. shortcircuit to ground. Sparks plus heat can yield fire where it is not visible. Keep the 24V system. Add a battery equalizer for the 12 V stuff. A battery equalizer allows center tapping of a 24V battery pack to supply 12V but draws equally from both sides. If you convert from 24V to 12V the cost is high for starter, alternator, shutdown solenoida, and relays. Good luck
My humble advice on 24 to 12 is DON't. The aircraft industry has used 24 for decades. It not as hard to find parts and components as you may imagine and as someone has already mentioned, wire size, switches, contactors, relays all double in size. Any specific questions about 24 volts, email me.
email Robert Mac Alpine
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