Charger question

[Claude75]

Hey guys: <br /><br />I have a quick question about battery chargers. I have a automotive battery charger that has the settings 12V (2AMP) and 12V (6AMP). I have set it at 12V (6AMP). The battery has something like 625A and 80 min written on it. Last year we used it up and know I want to recharge it. It has been sitting in the garage all winter. I've never used a battery charger before so bear with me. There is some gauge on the front that has numbers from 1-7 and 0-100%. I would like to know:<br /><br />1. How long do I charge it for?<br />2. How will I know its fully charged?<br />3. I am using the correct settings?<br />4. Can I charge it for a few hours stop and continue the next day? <br /><br />Thanks, <br /><br />Claude

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Charger question

The numbers 1 -7 are the amperage going to the battery during the charge cycle. When charging a discharged battery the meter would likely read "6" (on the six amp setting of course). As the battery charges, the meter may gradually decrease to "1" or less. At that point you can assume its fully charged. How long the process takes depends on the size of the battery and deeply it was discharged. The 2Amp setting is more of a maintainer setting. You could leave the charger connected for long periods of time without damaging the battery. Why start and stop the charge cycle? Start charging and turn it off when done. Batteries do not like to sit in a discharged state.

 

[JB]

Re: Charger question

Electrics topic

 

[Boatist]

Re: Charger question

If the battery has been setting discharged all winter then you may as well get a new battery as it probably will not recharge. Any time a starting battery is discharged more than 20 percent it will do damage and the longer you leave it discharged the more damage is done. DeepCycle batteries should not be discharge more than 50 percent but again should be recharged as soon as possible. Batteries should be charge once a month if you use it or not.<br /><br />It sound like you charger is a Manual charger with a 2 and a 6 amp setting. If it is then you will have to watch it colsely so as not to over charge your battery. When the battery is fully charged the voltage should be about 14.4 to 14.7 volts and the amp guage should read ZERO or ONE. Even on the 2 amp setting the battery can be overcharged if it is a manual charger. If your buy a new battery charger get a smart automatic charge thet is at least 10 amps.<br /><br />Batteries are kind of like people. If you go hicking all day when you get home you can not just put then in the garage and expect them to survive until next year. People need food and water to servive. Battery need a full recharge and the water level check.<br /><br />I hope I am wrong about your battery but do not be suprised if it does not recharge.

 

[Tatorbug]

Re: Charger question

Dead batteries die sudden deaths. Always recharge batteries as soon as you can. If this is a starting battery and it charges enough to start a car/truck, running it in such a vehicle for awhile, charging from the alternator may get it back up.