So with the separate 12v system at my house I`m curious what batteries I should get, and what I should get to make sure they stay charged and good while grid power is active.

-Todd

Store said batteries carefully. I think I remember this topic from past thread. Several folks mentioned a specific type of battery that should not off-gas Hydrogen. (Hindenburg Syndrome: very tough on the system, right?)

I use a small solar system to charge if dry camping in an area that forbids generators.

Try researching with some solar websites, or search this site's forums as I seem to remember much to do about this very subject from the past.

Also, see the Storing Propane thread that was going earlier today. It serves to show why one must be very careful with gasses that go bang inside the home. (very sad story)

Hi, I appreciate the post but I have posted in all those threads you mentioned

I am looking specifically for a system that maintains my batteries charge connected to the grid, and then when no power from the grid I can use my 12v batteries on my 12v system (Separate than the grid system completely).

I think using a car battery trickle charger may not be the ideal way to keep my batteries ready for usage in winter power-outage.

Since I don't want to do solar (yet) or convert from 12v to 110v I just need a way to keep them charged/ready when power is on

Also, looking for battery suggestions. I will ONLY be using these to power lights in the house but I could be w/out power for a week at a time.

-Todd

http://www.affordable-solar.com/batteries.alive.htm

Solar specific but I think conceptually accurate.....

Real Goods also has scads of info............

"...I think using a car battery trickle charger..."

I'd suggest that you go to a good RV service center and talk to them...

I've been reading Home Power magazine for years as part of my emergency prep. They provide a continuous review of solar and battery systems, and have a ton of information on technical specifics.

http://www.homepower.com/home/

Incidentally, I just swapped out batteries in our club radio repeaters, and looked at the backup charger that we use. The repeater radios draw 12 volts, and needed a way for the repeater power supply to fail over to battery power. Whoever designed the system installed Samlex BBM-12100 units. This takes the incoming power supply feed, passes it through to the powered unit, and charges the attached batteries at the same time. If the power supply shuts off, the batteries are seamlessly connected to the load.

http://www.samlexamerica.com/customer_support/pdf/Manuals/BBM-12100_Manual_Jun2005.pdf

That's a pretty typical configuration. BTW, when referring to elecrical systems, draw relates to current, not voltage. Think of voltage like you would think of pressure, and current like you would flow rate.

I need to feed 110v to 12v charger to maintain the batteries. I won't have a 12-1xv from solar or wind... From what I read that BBM-12100 wont work with a 110v line..

I second the RV store recommendation- when you're hooked to shore power the coach charges the batteries, so their inverters are obviously designed for 12v and 110v, right?