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

Kats
Kats Posts: 95
in Battery/Electrical & Solar
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.

Comments

  • Nomad
    Nomad Posts: 7,209
    I find it somewhat confusing also but I think you are correct. Hopefully the experts will weigh in.
  • DurangoTaB
    DurangoTaB Posts: 754
    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.

    J.D. & Sue

    Durango, CO    2014/15 S M@xx :  "Dory's HabiT@B"  Keep on swimming...

  • Verna
    Verna Posts: 6,876
    Be patient....I'm looking for a good source of information to help here.  I'll be back soon......
    Verna, Columbus, IN
    2021 T@B 320S  Boondock “The T@B”
    Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
  • jcfaber1
    jcfaber1 Posts: 318
    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

    2007 T@B

    Rockford, IL

  • Verna
    Verna Posts: 6,876
    edited 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, Columbus, IN
    2021 T@B 320S  Boondock “The T@B”
    Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
  • Verna
    Verna Posts: 6,876
    The amps used by various appliances and and parts:
    Verna, Columbus, IN
    2021 T@B 320S  Boondock “The T@B”
    Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
  • Nomad
    Nomad Posts: 7,209
    jcfaber2 - Got a link/pic?
  • Verna
    Verna Posts: 6,876

     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.

    Verna, Columbus, IN
    2021 T@B 320S  Boondock “The T@B”
    Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
  • Lisa33
    Lisa33 Posts: 260
    Here is a link to some good info.  http://www.rv-dreams.com/rv-electrical.html
    Lisa. 2008 T@DA, previously 2012 6x10 SS. Southeastern PA
  • Kats
    Kats Posts: 95
    You guys are such valuable sources of information! Thank you all so much!
     :) 
  • Michigan_Mike
    Michigan_Mike Posts: 2,858
    Here you go:  What are amp hours?  
    Mike - Elmira, Mi / 2019 T@B 400 / 2021 Chevy Silverado LTZ
  • leenscottfl
    leenscottfl Posts: 254
    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.
    Scott, Orange Park, Florida...2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara... 2015 T@B S Maxx "Buttercup".
  • Kats
    Kats Posts: 95
    Thanks, Michigan Mike!

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