RE: (ET) 48 volts

["Elie, Larry (L.D.)" <lelie ford com>]

My preference?  Set it up for 42.5V+.  36V is not fully charged.  Again, 
here are the SETTINGS ON THE FUEL METER OF THE ET!  (numbers courtesy 
Steve Naugler)

1.  Needle just moves = 20 to 22 VDC.
2.  Bottom of red = 27 to 28 VDC.
3.  Top of red = bottom of green = "E" = 35 to 35 VDC.
4.  Top of green = bottom of white = "F" = 45 to 46 VDC.
Note:  Green zone is the normal operating zone.
5.  Top of white = bottom of upper red = 52 VDC.
Note:  White zone is the charge zone.
6.  Top or upper red = 54 VDC.

NOTE!  36 V is barely off the RED!

42V is LOW on the green

48 V is (DRUM ROLL!) in the white or CHARGING region!

Personally, if I know I have a lot of work to do I will charge well into 
the white. 
Disconnected, within an hour it always drops to about 43 to 44V MAX and 
42.5 is nominal after 1 day just sitting.  This is the 'charge' level of 
my batteries.  ours may differ, but not by much.  Beyond that and you are 
just gassing.

Sure, the ET charge load WILL drag the 48V system down, (and remember, 
that '48V' system may be 52V for all I know...) but the only risk is 
gassing of the batteries if you charge too long... exactly the same risk 
as charging too long with the ET charger.  In addition, I suspect the 48V 
system is probably reasonably low current; 
lower than the ET charger.  If you had too, you could set up a simple 
circuit with Zener diodes or regulators to protect it, but I don't think I 
would bother.  Just use a working ET gauge.

Larry Elie