Lofrans Windlasses NOT Compatible with Lithium Batteries

[marcham]

Lower voltage = higher current = more winding heat. Higher voltage = lower current = less winding heat.

The motor is specified by wattage, not voltage. I doubt it was specially wound for a very narrow range of voltage expecting lead batteries only (and what type of LA? Thin wound plate LA are going to have significantly less voltage drop in operation than deep cycle LA, and would exceed Lofrans specs).

The breaker used to protect it means that it is expected to operate at a certain current regardless of the source. Current is what causes heat - not voltage.

Lofrans is wrong on this. These are simple and very common motors OEM'd by several manufacturers. Our Lofran motor is the same one used on our previous Maxwell windlass, and many others. Any difference is only in the terminal stud placement and mounting ears.

Frankly, I'd send it back to either Lofrans or Knysna as unsuitably spec'd for the boat (I don't know who spec'd the windlass for the new build) and get a windlass from a better company that doesn't lie to you.

Mark

Not quite..... with a simple brushed DC motor, more volts = more current and more RPM (no load). The only external variable that also affects heat and current is load on the motor... (more amps + less RPM = more heat). Just like an alternator, a motor's windings are designed for a maximum continuous temperature. Too many volts or too much load (not tripped by a breaker) will cause excess heating and damage the components. Still inexcusable to use a 24V motor in a 28V system. I can see how that worked 30 years ago. Even a good AGM bank will hold above 24V under load.