8
9
The BCA150 charges batteries using either a two-stage charging profile. A two-stage
charging profile occurs in two stages.
During the bulk stage, the battery draws a constant current (Output Current) from the charger.
This causes the battery’s voltage to rise until finally reaching a voltage slightly higher than the
battery’s rated capacity, the float voltage. The float voltage is higher than the rated voltage to
compensate for the characteristic discharge of idle batteries.
Then during the float stage, the battery is held at the float voltage the current reduces as
necessary to maintain it at this voltage. The battery can be left connected to the charger indefi-
nitely, which will maintain it.
A two-stage charger is recommended in most instances (over a three-stage charger) since it is
the most versatile. The battery is also subjected to lower voltages than in three-stage charging
and therefore is less stressed. In addition, a reasonable load can be put on the battery without
altering its ability to keep the battery at full charge.
Two-Stage Charging
100%
75%
50%
25%
0%
Bulk
(Constant Current)
Float
(Constant Volts)
Time
Two Stage Charge
Volts
Amps
