Voltage Spikes and Car Radar Detectors

[metroplex]

Does anyone know if voltage spikes from RFI in the car's DC system will wear out the radar detector over time?

I'm concerned that spikes could damage the detector and reduce its range... has anyone else noticed a reduction in range of their detectors over time?

I didn't see any RFI chokes or other devices for hardwire kits, so I'm guessing that this is NOT an issue, but I'm wondering if there's anything I can install inline with the detector's power supply to filter out spikes and just give it clean DC power.

Or did radar detector companies implement spike/over-voltage protection?

 

[m2kewl]

not that i know of. been using my V1 for over 2 years and still works flawlessly.

 

[Zenmervolt]

What makes you think there are spikes in the car's +12v DC line? If there were a problem with spikes and such, then electrical accessories in cars would wear out a lot faster than they do. I mean, it's not as though the radio gets worn out in a couple years from voltage spikes.

ZV

 

[metroplex]

I work on DC systems at my job, and you cannot fathom the amount of noise you can see in the system. Turn signals, hazards, the horn = good sources of voltage spikes.

 

[kami333]

It shouldn't, some like the Escort 8500 even have a voltage readout.

 

Voltage spikes in a vehicles electrical system are absolutely normal, you must take into consideration that the lower the voltage in a electrical system, the higher the amp rating it must be to operate the same load, thus at 12v, you will see a fairly significant voltage spike when loads are placed on the system, on top of this, vehicles carry a lot of electrical devices that require a large amp draw.

I would not be concerned about radar detector damage or shortening the life of said unit, I am pretty sure that the manufacturers take into consideration and design thier units with the proper chokes, coils and voltage stabilizers.

This is one of the main reasons why the automobile manufacturers are considering going to a 40 + V electrical systems.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: metroplex
I work on DC systems at my job, and you cannot fathom the amount of noise you can see in the system. Turn signals, hazards, the horn = good sources of voltage spikes.

Huh, I would have thought that it would have to be reasonably clean in order to keep things like cell phones and radios and LCD display panels happy. One new thing learned today. Cool.

ZV