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13. LEAD BATTERIES (PB)
a) General Information
Lead batteries are completely different from lithium, NiMH or NiCd batteries. Despite their high capacity they can
only provide low currents. The charging process is also different.
The charging current for modern lead batteries must not exceed 0.4C; 1/10C is perfect for lead batteries.
A higher charging current is not permitted; it would overload the rechargeable battery! This not only
causes danger of explosion and fire, but also danger of injury from the contained acid.
Also always observe the information printed on the battery or the information provided by the battery
manufacturer on the permitted charging current.
The charger must be in the main menu.
Select the rechargeable battery type "Pb BATT" with the "INC" or "DEC"
button here, see figure on the right.
Confirm the selection by pressing the "START/ENTER" button.
Then use the button "INC" or "DEC" to select the different rechargeable battery programmes:
• "CHARGE": Charge rechargeable battery
• "DISCHARGE": Discharging the rechargeable battery
b) Charging Rechargeable Batteries ("CHARGE")
The charging current to be set depends on the battery capacity and is usually 0.1C (also see chapter 7). High-
quality lead batteries also can stand a charging current up to 0.4C. However, you should always observe the battery
manufacturer's instructions.
The value "0.1C" means that the charging current is equivalent to one-tenth of the rechargeable battery's
capacity. For a lead battery with a capacity of 5000 mAh (= 5 Ah) the charging current at 0.1C must be set to
0.5 A.
Proceed as follows to charge a lead battery:
• Fist, choose the rechargeable battery type "Pb BATT" with the buttons "INC" and "DEC" as described in chapter
13. a) and push the button "START/ENTER".
• Select the rechargeable battery programme "CHARGE" with the buttons
"INC" or "DEC".
The set rechargeable battery type is shown in the upper left of the display,
and the rechargeable battery programme next to it.
The value on the lower left shows the currently set charging current, the value at the lower right shows the voltage
or number of cells of the lead battery (in this example, a 6-cell lead battery (6 x 2.40 V = 14.40 V)).
Use the buttons "INC" and "DEC" to select a different rechargeable battery programme; use the button
"BATT. TYPE/STOP" to return to the main menu.
• If the value for the charging current must be changed, push the "START/ENTER" button. The charging current
flashes. Change the charging current using the buttons "INC" and "DEC". Keep the respective button pressed for
quick adjustment.
PROGRAM SELECT
Pb BATT
Pb CHARGE
1.0A 12.0V(6P)