[MV] 24 Volt System
Julian Burke (julianb@esper.com)
Thu, 8 Jul 1999 16:18:32 -0400
OK Folks, I just saw an item that isn't true and can't stay silent on this
one! There is a very good reason that 24 volt systems are used. Totally
forget the notion that the Gov't used it because it was "odd". I have
covered this point before in my writings of M151A2 jeeps. Lets start from
the beginning on this one. Back in the days of 6 Volt systems, you had a
large battery of the same size of a todays' 12 Volt. When you have 12
Volts, the battery will stay the same size, wiring will decrease in size and
will have twice the stamina. If you use Ohm's Law, you will find that when
voltage goes up-current (Amps) goes down proportionally. (Also a principle
used in high voltage power lines going through cities) Simple! OK, Now
when you use 24 Volts, current is half that of a similiar 12 Volt system,
and respectively will have twice the stamina. If you had a similiar system
using 6 Volts, you would have FOUR TIMES THE AMOUNT OF CURRENT TO DO THE
SAME JOB RESULTING IN VERY HEAVY WIRING, CONTACTS AND CONNECTORS NOT TO
MENTION OF A VERY SHORT DUTY CRANKING CYCLE. Also, 6 Volt switches would
tend to arc due to the heavier current passing through them which wouldn't
help in explosive atmospheres. Do you see the pattern here? A 24 Volt
system will require a smaller wiring harness/loom, will not be affected much
by the weather (heat/cold) and will crank the engine twice as long as
opposed to a 12 Volt system. It will also help when the vehicle gets wet or
fords a river-smaller connectors will hold up better than that of a larger
rubber or Hapalon connector cover. It is simple mechanics that makes more
sense to use in extreme duty/cycle use. Now, I don't want to hear any more
talk about the Gov't using this system because it was "odd". This was NEVER
an issue when specs were being written. Performance was! Pilferage will
always be a problem regardless and this is why the CID and Ft. Leavenworth
were invented! Your M151A2 Jeep nut, Julian Burke
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