Amps, amp hours, volts...I'm a little confused here

Kats · June 2015

This electrical stuff is pretty confusing to me.
Do amp hours = the length of time something can run on those amps? Is it like miles per gallon, i.e. at 14 amp hours you could use 1 amp for 14 hours, or 7 amps for 2 hours, etc?
I am trying to figure out how to make this information understandable to me in a way that is useful to me.

Nomad · June 2015

I find it somewhat confusing also but I think you are correct. Hopefully the experts will weigh in.

DurangoTaB · June 2015

You're basically right...but unlike a gas tank, you can't run an 84amp-hr battery at 4 amps for 21 hours. You shouldn't let batteries get much pass "half empty". I know others are more experienced and articulate than I am and will chime in.

Verna · June 2015

Be patient....I'm looking for a good source of information to help here. I'll be back soon......

jcfaber1 · June 2015

All the above is correct but I am not an expert. I have a battery meter by Bogart Engineering. TriMetric 2025-rv (now 2030-rv). You program in your capacity and you can monitor the voltage, remaining AH % capacity, whether you are charging/discharging and by how much. A great tool and is helpful with solar charging system.
John

Verna · June 2015

Here is the chart that tells how to use your 12V battery's voltage. As PXLated said in another discussion, he never lets it get below 12.2 volts, and I try to never go below 12.6 V.

More to come. I'm having trouble copying two charts showing the expected amps used by various appliances, and "parts" that use your T@B's electrical and 12V systems.

Verna · June 2015

The amps used by various appliances and and parts:

Nomad · June 2015

jcfaber2 - Got a link/pic?

Verna · June 2015

Sorry, I was out in the sun for too long and I need to take a break. I'll be back in a bit--need to eat and hydrate. Warm one here, with tornado warnings and heavy thunderstorms coming.

Lisa33 · June 2015

Here is a link to some good info. http://www.rv-dreams.com/rv-electrical.html

Kats · June 2015

You guys are such valuable sources of information! Thank you all so much!

Michigan_Mike · June 2015

Here you go: What are amp hours?

leenscottfl · June 2015

The best explication I have seen, MM. Thanks. Electricity has always been something I have problems understanding. Odd since my father was an engineer, one brother was an electronics tech who built his own commercial am radio station. The other was a power linesman. Guess I got the stupid gene.

Kats · June 2015

Thanks, Michigan Mike!

Amps, amp hours, volts...I'm a little confused here

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