LaMarche Constavolt A46-10-32V-A1-16L Battery Charger 120VAC

LaMarche Constavolt A46-10-32V-A1-16L Marine & Industrial Battery Charger (120VAC Input / 32VDC 10A Output)

The LaMarche Constavolt Model A46-10-32V-A1-16L is a heavy duty, magnetic amplifier regulated battery charger, designed primarily for high reliability marine propulsion starting systems, diesel generator backup installations and commercial vessel 32VDC auxiliary banks. Ruggedized for outdoor circumstances, the A46 series incorporates solid-state magnetic amplifier circuitry rather than fragile microprocessor boards, providing maximum mean time between failures (MTBF > 250,000 hours) and line-transient survivability.

This unit accepts a typical 120VAC single phase, 60Hz input and provides a tightly regulated 32VDC nominal output at 10 Amps Continuous. It is designed for use with 16 cell lead acid (16L) battery banks. It offers built-in float/equalize charge modes, automated AC line compensation, output current limiting, full AC/DC fuse protection, and an integrated AC power failure alarm relay with Form “C” dry contacts.

Model Details

• Model Number: A46-10-32V-A1-16L
• Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): A46-10-32V-A1-16L
• Series: Constavolt A46 Heavy-Duty Industrial Series

Key Features

1. Magnetic Amplifier Regulation: Eliminates delicate SCR driver boards, providing complete solid-state reliability and isolation under marine operating environments.
2. Automatic AC Input Compensation: Maintains stable DC output voltage within ±0.5% regulation despite AC input line fluctuations up to ±10%.
3. Current-Limiting Protection: Factory set at 115% of rated output capacity (adjustable 50%–120%), protecting both charger transformer windings and battery plates during heavy engine cranking recovery.
4. Dual-Mode Float/Equalize: Front-panel/internal toggle switch with independent float and equalize calibration potentiometers for extended battery longevity.
5. Integrated Alarm Output: Factory-fitted AC Power Failure Relay providing standard Form “C” dry contact output for remote shipboard alarm monitoring systems (AMS).

Technical Specifications

Compatible Equipment Models

• Marine Engines & Auxiliary Sets: Caterpillar (3408, 3412, D353 32V starter configurations), Detroit Diesel (6-71, 8V71, 12V71, 16V71 twin-starter banks), Cummins (KTA19, V28 32V systems).
• Vessel Types: Tugboats, commercial fishing trawlers, inland push boats, off-shore supply vessels (OSVs), historic yachts running 32VDC legacy shipboard power grids.
• Industrial Gensets: Standby diesel generators utilizing 32V starter motor circuits and 16-cell batteries.

Primary Applications

• Dedicated maintenance and float charging of 32V engine-starting battery banks.
• Continuous DC load support for shipboard emergency lighting, navigation bridge equipment, and alarm monitoring panels.
• Standby industrial switchgear power supply and generator room control panels.

Part Number Cross-References

• LaMarche OEM Model: A46-10-32V-A1-16L
• Alternative LaMarche Variants: A46F-10-32V-A1-16L (Filtered Version)
• Legacy Marine Cross-References: Constavolt A46 32V 10A, A46-10-32V-A, A46-10-32V-16L

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a 32V battery system different from standard 12V or 24V marine systems?

A 32V marine battery system consists of 16 lead-acid cells connected in series (nominal 2.0V per cell). Commonly found on classic diesel engines (such as Detroit Diesel 71 series and Caterpillar marine engines), 32V systems deliver high cranking power with lower amperage draw compared to 12V systems, allowing smaller wire gauges for heavy-duty starting.

Can the LaMarche A46-10-32V charger remain connected continuously?

Yes, the LaMarche A46 series is designed for continuous float duty. Its automatic voltage regulation keeps the battery at a constant trickle voltage without overcharging or drying out the battery fluid during extended periods of inactivity.

What is the advantage of magnetic amplifier technology in marine battery chargers?

Magnetic amplifier technology uses robust magnetic cores and transformers to regulate output voltage rather than delicate microprocessor circuit boards. This delivers unmatched reliability in harsh marine environments with high humidity, vibration, and line voltage spikes.

Is the LaMarche A46-10-32V suitable for Sealed AGM or Gel batteries?

The standard A46-10-32V-A1-16L is optimized for vented (flooded) lead-acid batteries. For valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA), AGM, or Gel batteries, the filtered A46F series or a unit factory-calibrated for lower float voltage settings is recommended to prevent overcharging.

How do I wire the remote AC failure alarm relay?

The internal AC Power Failure Relay provides a standard Form “C” terminal strip with Normally Open (NO), Normally Closed (NC), and Common (COM) contacts. Connect these terminals directly to your shipboard Alarm Monitoring System (AMS) or engine room indicator panel to trigger an alarm if AC input power is lost.