Dumb Question

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 over 4 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 over 4 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 over 4 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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mp2100 over 4 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 over 4 years ago in reply to mark1054

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 a 240W or higher supply (12V * 20A).
It's may need an electrician to enclose it and wire that in on the mains supply side, but also on the 12V side, probably a fuse, good insulated wire (non-flammable otherwise flames can tear along the wire) and good crimping or other wire termination will be needed.
The power supply will cost $400 USD or more.
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shabaz over 4 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 over 4 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 over 4 years ago in reply to beacon_dave

Wow, thanks everyone. Really appreciate the time and energy
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mark1054 over 4 years ago in reply to beacon_dave

Wow, thanks everyone. Really appreciate the time and energy
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