How much can I safely exceed the max. continuous current rating if Im not discharging for a long time, i.e., not continuously?
Officially, not one bit. OK, with that out of the way, here’s the scoop. The ACMs are conservatively rated to ensure a long, trouble-free life. You can exceed the ratings, but that can shorten the life of the ACM, perhaps considerably. Electronics hate heat. Even though it’s protected from over-temperature and over-current conditions, repeatedly causing the ACM to shut down to protect itself can cause it to stay at a very high temperature for long enough to damage the MOSFETs. This damage is cumulative and can eventually cause the MOSFETs to fail. If you’re discharging 3AH (or lesser capacity) battery packs, you can occasionally exceed the max. continuous current rating of either ACM without problem. If the ACM turns off before a discharge is complete, due to an over-current or over-temperature condition, do not continue discharging at that rate! Please contact us about your setup and we’ll help you get the most out of your ACM.
