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Dumb Question

mark1054
mark1054 over 5 years ago

I am a total newb, so this is probably a really dumb question. I have a DC Harmar scooter lift that I need to be able to run from household current. I need to modify it to make a lift to get my wife off the floor when she falls. I have all the plans to do it, I just don't know what I need to convert the DC to AC. Currently, the lift connects to DC via a standard "trailer" plug. So I need to connect it to a converter that will them plug into a wall socket. I spoke to a guy at Harmar and he seemed to think it was doable as long as the device put out a minimum load of 15amp. Any help would be really appreciated. Thanks!

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  • Fred27
    Fred27 over 5 years ago +3
    What is most important is the DC voltage and current the lift requires. Then it's really a case of finding a suitable power supply. Have you got any more details of the model of lift you're working with…
  • mp2100
    mp2100 over 5 years ago in reply to beacon_dave +3
    It operates from a car's battery, so it's 12 V nominal (really 14 volts) and as Dave said the manual states it could draw up to 20 amps. This item comes close, it can put out 15 amps at 12 volts. https…
  • beacon_dave
    beacon_dave over 5 years ago in reply to shabaz +3
    How about a caravan battery/charger type solution ? Might work out cheaper and be an off-the-shelf solution. Also gives you back-up power to complete the lifting operation during a power outage.
  • beacon_dave
    beacon_dave over 5 years ago in reply to mark1054 +2
    Looks like there is some documentation available here: https://harmar.com/vehicle-lifts/al300hd/ which suggests that it requires a 12V DC supply up to 20A
  • colporteur
    colporteur over 5 years ago +2
    Welcome to the E14 Community Mark. I don't consider your question dumb by any measure. You have a technical problem and you are asking a community that supports technical people a question in their wheelhouse…
  • Fred27
    Fred27 over 5 years ago +2
    This really isn't a dumb question. Maybe it's worth changing the title! It also makes it easier for someone to find useful information if they have a similar question.
  • mark1054
    mark1054 over 5 years ago +2
    It kinda sounds like the easiest way to do this would be with an external battery and trickel charger, Yes?
  • mark1054
    mark1054 over 5 years ago in reply to Fred27 +1
    Hi Fred, thanks for the reply. Ali know is that is a Harmar AL300. Loft capacity is 300lbs.
  • shabaz
    shabaz over 5 years ago in reply to mark1054 +1
    Hi Mark, That needs quite a high-end power supply if the aim is to run it off mains instead of a battery. The manual suggests surges of 20A may be needed (it doesn't suggest for how long) so this may require…
  • shabaz
    shabaz over 5 years ago in reply to mp2100 +1
    That looked like really good value, and wired to a plug too! Unfortunately it is AC output : ( I can't find a DC supply at reasonable cost : ( $600 and higher seem the ballpark : ( You've hit on something…
Parents
  • Fred27
    Fred27 over 5 years ago

    What is most important is the DC voltage and current the lift requires. Then it's really a case of finding a suitable power supply. Have you got any more details of the model of lift you're working with?

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  • mark1054
    mark1054 over 5 years ago in reply to Fred27

    Hi Fred, thanks for the reply. Ali know is that is a Harmar AL300. Loft capacity is 300lbs.


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  • beacon_dave
    beacon_dave over 5 years ago in reply to mark1054

    Looks like there is some documentation available here:

    https://harmar.com/vehicle-lifts/al300hd/

    which suggests that it requires a 12V DC supply up to 20A

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  • beacon_dave
    beacon_dave over 5 years ago in reply to mark1054

    Looks like there is some documentation available here:

    https://harmar.com/vehicle-lifts/al300hd/

    which suggests that it requires a 12V DC supply up to 20A

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Children
  • mp2100
    mp2100 over 5 years ago in reply to beacon_dave

    It operates from a car's battery, so it's 12 V nominal (really 14 volts) and as Dave said the manual states it could draw up to 20 amps.

     

    This item comes close, it can put out 15 amps at 12 volts.

    https://www.newark.com/molex/1640-12/power-outlet-strip-4-outlet-15a/dp/06H6685?st=12%20volt%2020%20amp%20power%20supply…

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  • shabaz
    shabaz over 5 years ago in reply to mp2100

    That looked like really good value, and wired to a plug too! Unfortunately it is AC output : (

    I can't find a DC supply at reasonable cost : ( $600 and higher seem the ballpark : ( You've hit on something though, there might be some industry that might use lower-cost (but still hopefully reliable) supplies that are DC.

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  • beacon_dave
    beacon_dave over 5 years ago in reply to shabaz

    How about a caravan battery/charger type solution ? Might work out cheaper and be an off-the-shelf solution. Also gives you back-up power to complete the lifting operation during a power outage.

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  • mark1054
    mark1054 over 5 years ago in reply to beacon_dave

    Wow, thanks everyone. Really appreciate the time and energy

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