? For electrolysis experts

truckerfarmer wrote: Would a golf cart charger work? It's rated 48 volts and either 13 or 30 amps (not handy at the moment). Acquired one last week and don't know if it even works. Figured if it would work, it could be dedicated just for that, instead of using one of my good battery chargers.

IMO more is not better.

I have an old 6/12 volt charger from the 60’s that I rebuilt. It out puts a peak of 5a at 12vdc and it works great. A cheapie solid state would work well too.

Your grid setup and how clean it is makes the most difference.

Yes, it will work, however this is way over powered for what your trying to do. Along with the massive power consumption, this could kill you if you bumped the connections. I was given one from work about 15 years ago, couldn’t resist finding out if it would work. I quickly found that used like this it’s unregulated and will heat the solution enough to melt a heavy duty plastic container rather quickly. After listening to the noise and watching the violent reaction I decided this wasn’t for me. I know people have used everything from old welders on down, but you’re gonna get the same result, much safer with a plain old charger. I also question weather there would be any detrimental changes to the part due to the reaction happening so fast. If you have to try. This, please be very careful and don’t leave this unattended !

yes, it'll work but it'd be better in a very large tub. The higher voltage allows the electrons to travel further, so the bigger the gap between piece and plates, the higher the volts you need.
Current controls the rate( how fast ) the process is. The higher the current, the faster the action.
For a 45 gal drum 12 volts is more than fine. If you need better action, add more plates around the tub.

at 48 volts and working around water, your going to get shocked or electrocuted..... stick with the 12 volts.

48v is too high for a small tank.  Current is determined by applied voltage divided by resistance.  Resistance is a function of the distance....

So... if you carried 5amps at 12v, you'll be whomping 20A at 48v.  Too much, and yes, you'll be getting shocked, and likely get an inside view of the Hindenburg Experience when the gasses decide to rejoin forces.