Maintaining Vehicle Power During a Battery Replacement

Frequently Asked Questions About Automotive Power Preservation

Replacing or disconnecting the vehicle battery can interrupt the power supply to the vehicle's electrical system. The following questions explain when voltage maintenance devices or memory savers should be used, what the differences are between 12- and 24-volt devices, and what precautions should be taken when using them.

• What is a car battery booster?

  An automotive voltage maintenance device temporarily supplies electrical power to the vehicle's electrical system during certain maintenance or repair work.

  A typical application is disconnecting or replacing the vehicle battery.

  This prevents the on-board voltage from being completely interrupted during these tasks.

  Voltage maintenance devices fall under the category of testing and diagnostic equipment for automotive electrical systems.

• Why is a voltage maintainer used when replacing the battery?

  Depending on the vehicle, disconnecting the vehicle battery may result in the loss of stored data or settings.

  This may include, for example:

  • Radio codes
  • Seat positions
  • Mirror settings
  • Stored comfort functions
  • Other electronic settings or data

  A voltage maintenance system continues to supply electrical power to the vehicle's electrical system during a battery replacement and can thus help prevent such data loss.

• What is a memory saver in a car?

  “Memory Saver” is a common term for a voltage maintenance device.

  The device provides an alternative power supply for the vehicle’s electrical system while the vehicle battery is disconnected.

  This is intended to preserve stored vehicle data and settings during a battery replacement.

  The terms Code Maintainer, voltage maintainer, or automotive emergency power supply are also used for these devices.

• Is it necessary to use a voltage regulator every time you replace a car battery?

  It's not a one-size-fits-all situation.
  
  Whether maintaining the battery charge is necessary or permitted depends on the vehicle and the vehicle manufacturer's specifications.
  
  Before replacing the battery, you should therefore check which procedure is specified for that particular vehicle.

• What is the difference between a voltage regulator and a battery charger?

  A voltage maintenance device is primarily used to supply electrical power to the vehicle's electrical system during a temporary interruption of the normal battery supply.

  A battery charger, on the other hand, is used to charge a vehicle battery.

  Automotive battery testers and testing equipment for battery and charging systems are available for diagnosing the battery, alternator, and starter/charging system.

• What is the difference between voltage maintenance and surge protection?

  These two functions serve different primary purposes.

  A voltage maintenance device continues to supply power to the vehicle's electrical system when the vehicle battery is disconnected.

  A surge protector, on the other hand, protects the vehicle's electronics from unwanted voltage spikes.

  Suitable devices for this purpose can be found under Automotive Surge Protectors and Electronic Protection Devices.

• What voltage stabilizers does Leitenberger offer?

  Currently, two models are available:

  NSV 01

  • 12-V vehicle electrical system
  • Power supply via 230 V / 50 Hz
  • Maximum output current: 250 mA
  • Connects to the vehicle via the vehicle power outlet

  NSV 03/1

  • 24-V vehicle electrical system
  • External 24-V power supply required
  • Maximum output current: 2 A
  • Connects to the vehicle via the vehicle power outlet
  • Additional spike suppression
• Which voltage regulator is suitable for 12-volt vehicles?

  The NSV 01 is designed for 12-V vehicle electrical systems.
  
  The device is powered by a 230-V power cord and connects to the vehicle via the vehicle power outlet or the cigarette lighter.
  
  The maximum output current is 250 mA.

• Which voltage regulator is suitable for 24-volt commercial vehicles?

  The NSV 03/1 is designed for 24-V vehicle electrical systems.
  
  The device requires an external 24-V power supply or battery and provides a maximum output current of 2 A.
  
  This makes it suitable for corresponding applications in vehicles with a 24-V electrical system, provided that the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications allow it.

• Can the NSV 03/1 be used on a 12-volt vehicle?

  No. The NSV 03/1 is designed for a 24-V vehicle electrical system and an external 24-V power supply.
  
  The NSV 01 is intended for suitable 12-V applications.
  
  The vehicle's electrical system voltage must always match the specified voltage range of the device being used.

• How is the NSV 01 connected to the vehicle?

  The NSV 01 is connected to the vehicle's electrical system via the vehicle power outlet or the cigarette lighter.
  
  It is powered by a 230-V AC outlet.
  
  An LED indicates that the voltage is connected correctly.

• How is the NSV 03/1 connected to the vehicle?

  The NSV 03/1 is also connected to the vehicle via the vehicle power outlet or the cigarette lighter.
  
  However, power is supplied by an external 24-V battery or a suitable external 24-V power source.

• Can the voltage regulator also be connected directly to the vehicle battery?

  The NSVA 100 adapter cable with alligator clips is available as an accessory for the NSV 01 for connection to a 12-V automotive battery.

  The specific connection method that may be used in a given vehicle depends on the technical specifications of the device and the vehicle manufacturer.

• Does a power bank always work when plugged into the cigarette lighter?

  No.

  One of the requirements is that the vehicle’s power outlet in question be electrically connected to the vehicle’s electrical system and suitable for the intended use.

  In some vehicles, certain power outlets are deactivated when the ignition is turned off.

  Therefore, before replacing the battery, you must check whether the selected connection point is actually connected to the vehicle’s electrical system.

  You can check the power outlet’s functionality, for example, using a suitable voltage tester for vehicle power outlets.

• What happens if too much current is required during voltage maintenance?

  The NSV 01 and NSV 03/1 are equipped with an overload warning.
  
  The NSV 01 provides a maximum of 250 mA, and the NSV 03/1 provides a maximum of 2 A.
  
  Therefore, unnecessary electrical loads should not be turned on during the backup period.

• Can the ignition be turned on while the power is still on?

  A blanket approval for this should not be granted.
  
  The voltage regulator has a limited maximum output current and is not designed to power vehicle loads of any size.
  
  Therefore, the device’s operating instructions and the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications must be followed.

• Can the motor be started using a voltage regulator?

  No.
  
  A voltage maintenance device is not a jump starter.
  
  The maximum output currents of 250 mA for the NSV 01 and 2 A for the NSV 03/1 are intended to maintain the vehicle’s electrical system and are not designed to meet the high current demands of a starter motor.

• Is voltage maintenance the same thing as jump-starting?

  No.
  
  A jump starter provides a very high current for a short period of time to start the engine.
  
  A battery maintenance charger, on the other hand, supplies the vehicle's electrical system with a comparatively low current during certain maintenance tasks.
  
  The two types of devices therefore serve completely different purposes.

• Do the voltage maintenance devices have electronic protection?

  Yes. Integrated electronic protection is specified for the NSV 01 and NSV 03/1.

  The NSV 03/1 also features spike suppression to protect the vehicle's electronics, for example, when connecting or disconnecting the battery or during related work.

  Additional protective devices can be found in the Automotive Surge Protection and Electronic Protection Devices section.

• Are the devices protected against reverse polarity and short circuits?

  Yes. Both the NSV 01 and the NSV 03/1 are specified as being protected against reverse polarity and short circuits.
  
  Despite these protective features, the devices must be connected in accordance with their operating instructions, and the relevant safety requirements must be observed.

• Can a voltage regulator be used in electric and hybrid vehicles?

  Voltage maintenance applies to the low-voltage electrical system and should not be confused with work on the high-voltage system.

  Whether and how an external voltage maintenance device may be used when replacing the battery or performing work on the 12- or 24-V electrical system of an electric or hybrid vehicle depends on the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.

  Work on the high-voltage system requires specially designed electrical safety test equipment for electric and hybrid vehicles.

• Can maintaining voltage prevent mistakes when changing a battery?

  No.
  
  A voltage maintenance device merely supports the electrical supply to the vehicle's electrical system.
  
  It does not replace the manufacturer's guidelines for battery replacement, nor does it replace any diagnostic, registration, or programming procedures that may be required for the new vehicle battery.