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EQUALIZING CAUTIONS!
Turn off sensitive electronics before equalizing !!!
Equalizing causes the battery to gas. You should check the battery electrolyte
before and after equalization. Do not over-fill before equalization as the electrolyte may
expand and cause it to flow over the tops. You should be present during this type of
charging. Hydrogen and oxygen gas is generated during equalization!! Make sure there
is adequate ventilation.
Batteries should not be equalized every charge/discharge cycle. Normally, the
battery is cycled between 50% charged and the 85% to 95% charged level reached by the
normal Charge and Acceptance Cycle. Every 30 days, though, the batteries should be
equalized to regain full capacity and extend life.
To equalize, first go through a complete Charge and Acceptance Cycle. Check the
electrolyte level but do not overfill. Re-check and top off the electrolyte
after
equalizing.
Remember, equalizing is constant current charging with a small regulated
current that permits a higher maximum voltage. The goal is to use a small current,
and gradually let the battery rise to its maximum voltage.
EQUALIZING GELLED BATTERIES
Gelled batteries are not normally equalized. However, if the battery has been
severely discharged, the voltage of the battery may easily reach the acceptance level with
a very small current. In fact, the current may be less than the 2% required to terminate the
Acceptance Cycle. This can cause the system to believe that the battery is full and switch
to the Float Cycle. Equalization may be the only way to get the battery to accept a charge.
Be sure that the battery TYPE # is set to #2 before using this cycle on gelled batteries. The
equalization
voltage is limited to the acceptance voltage
but the cycle lasts for 3.5 hours.
(Eight hours if using the Freedom charger.) Please consult your battery manufacturer
regarding the appropriateness of this cycle for their batteries.
