©2009 Magnum Energy Inc.
25
Operation
Equalizing
- The battery charger is delivering the equalize voltage to the
batteries; see Table 3.3,
Battery Type to Battery Charge Voltages
to determine
the equalize voltage for your battery type.
Equalize charging can be enabled by selecting the function in SETUP: 09 Equal-
ize. Equalization charging can only be enabled while the charger is in
fl
oat
charge or in Battery Saver mode. To turn on equalize charging, ensure the LCD
display reads “Float” or “Full Chg”, then press MENU button until “EQUALIZE
Disabled” appears in the display, then press the CHANGE button. The display
should read “EQUALIZE Requested”, then “EQUALIZE Started”
The equalize charge will continue for 4 hours and then automatically stop
and return to “Float Charging”. The equalize charge can be manually stopped
by pressing the MENU button until “EQUALIZE Started” appears in the dis-
play, then press the CHANGE button. The display should read “EQUALIZE
Disabled”.
During equalize charge stage the batteries will begin gassing and bubbling
vigorously which consumes water; ensure each cell has adequate distilled
water levels prior to equalizing and add water as needed after equalizing.
How often should I equalize?
Some experts recommend that heavily used
batteries should be equalized periodically, ranging anywhere from once a
month to once or twice per year. Other experts only recommend equalizing
when the cells have a low speci
fi
c gravity or when the difference between
any individual cell has a speci
fi
c gravity reading greater than .015 after be-
ing fully charged.
How long should I equalize?
While the batteries are gassing, monitor the
speci
fi
c gravity readings every hour; when the speci
fi
c gravity readings no lon-
ger increase, the equalization charge is complete and should be stopped.
WARNING:
Equalizing produces hydrogen and oxygen gas. Ensure
the battery compartment has adequate ventilation in order to dis-
sipate this gas to avoid explosions.
CAUTION:
Ensure you batteries can be equalized - only equalize
your batteries if permitted by your battery manufacturer or dealer.
Performing an equalize charge on batteries other than liquid lead
acid or certain AGM types could permanently damage them. Refer to
your battery manufacturer/dealer for instructions on how to properly
equalize your batteries.
CAUTION:
Ensure the DC loads will not be damaged by the higher
voltage applied to the batteries during the equalize charge. If in
doubt, disconnect the DC loads to prevent damage.
Info:
Equalization charging is not available if GEL or AGM 2 is selected
under the
SETUP: 04 Battery Type
menu.
Equalize
appears on LCD; FAULT
(red) LED is off and INV (green) LED
could be on or off.
E qualize
15.5V
Figure 5-10, Equalizing Mode
