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Battery Charging Information

Battery Charging Information

 Charging Method Normal charging in 6 or more hours; Constant voltage control Two-step constant voltage control Constant current control
Cycle
Control voltage : 7.25 to 7.45V for a 6V battery and 14.5 to 14.9V for a 12V battery. Initial current : 0.4 CA or smaller
Trickle
Control voltage : 6.8 to 6.9V /6V battery 13.6 to 13.8V /12V battery
Initial charging with current of approx. 0.15 CA, followed by switching voltage to trickle charge
Float
Control voltage : 6.8 to 6.9V /6V battery 13.6 to 13.8V /12V battery Float charging compensates for load fluctuations.

Refresh charge (Auxiliary charge)

When charging two or more batteries at a time, select only those which have been left under the same condition. 

Charging with current of approx. 0.1 CA

 

Charging Batteries

It is best to refer to the user manual of your application for proper battery maintenance instructions.

  • GEL batteries require a GEL charger
  • Never fully discharge an SLA battery, this will shorten or completely end its life cycle
  • A standard overnight charge (6-8 hours) should be sufficient for most batteries
  • Do not leave batteries on chargers for extended periods of time that are not designed to maintain/float the charge.
  • Batteries must be "broken in" and usually will not reach full capacity until 10-30 cycles
    •

    There are 3 stages to charging batteries.

      1. Bulk Charge- Set to charge at the maximum safe rate until charging nears 80-90%
      2. Absorption Charge- Gradual decline in current as internal resistance increases
      3. Float Charge - After a complete charge is obtained the charge voltage decreases. This stage is known as maintenance or trickles charging to sustain but not over charge the battery.

      Most consumer chargers are supply bulk charge only and should not be left on the battery for long periods of time.