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UNDERSTANDING THE MULTI-STAGE CHARGING PROCESS
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Using Reconditioning Mode
5. Stop charging at any time by disconnecting the
charger AC plug from the electrical outlet.
Using Power Supply Mode
UNDERSTANDING FACTORS THAT
AFFECT CHARGING TIME
If a lead-acid battery is left sitting in a low state
of charge, or is deeply discharged, or is never
given the opportunity to fully charge, it can suffer
capacity loss due to sulphation and/or stratifica-
tion.
Such a battery can appear to have a normal open
circuit voltage and yet it will have a noticeable
drop in performance. Using Reconditioning mode
may help to reverse the effects of sulphation and
stratification, restoring lost battery capacity.
To maximize battery life and performance,
recondition your battery once per year or after
deep discharges. For best results, take the battery
through a normal full charge cycle before using
this mode. A Reconditioning charge can take up to
4 hours to complete.
CAUTION:
USE THIS MODE WITH CARE. RECONDI-
TIONING USES A HIGH CHARGING VOLTAGE AND
MAY CAUSE WATER LOSS IN THE BATTERY. IT IS
BEST SUITED FOR WET (FLOODED) BATTERIES
WITH REMOVABLE VENT CAPS WHICH ALLOW FOR
WATER LEVELS TO BE TOPPED UP. RECONDITION-
ING IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR AGM OR GEL
BATTERIES. TO MINIMIZE RISK OF HIGH VOLTAGE
TO SENSITIVE ELECTRONICS, DISCONNECT THE
BATTERY FROM THE VEHICLE (OR ANY OTHER
EQUIPMENT) WHEN USING THIS MODE.
In Power Supply mode, the battery charger acts
as a constant-current, constant-voltage DC power
supply. This feature can be used to:
(1) Manually raise the voltage of a 12-volt
lead-acid battery that is completely discharged
(<1.5 V) such that this charger can then be used
to attempt to charge it using a regular charging
mode;
(2) Maintain power to your vehicle to retain
memory settings while replacing the battery; or
(3) Power 12 V DC devices such as tire inflators,
lighting and more.
CAUTION: USE THIS MODE WITH CARE. WHEN
THE POWER SUPPLY MODE IS ACTIVATED, BOTH
THE SPARK PROOF AND REVERSE POLARITY
SAFETY PROTECTIONS ARE DISABLED. DO NOT
ALLOW THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE CHARGER
LEADS TO TOUCH EACH OTHER OR A COMMON
PIECE OF METAL. CONFIRM THE POLARITY OF
THE 12-VOLT LEAD-ACID BATTERY BEFORE
MAKING CONNECITONS TO ITS POSTS.
The time it takes to fully recharge a battery
depends on several factors including:
1. Battery Depth of Discharge
The greater the depth of discharge, the longer it
will take to fully charge a battery. For example, a
battery discharged to a level of 50% will take
about twice as long to fully charge than a battery
discharged only 25%.
2. Battery Size
If charged at the same current, a larger (higher
capacity) battery will require more time to fully
charge than a smaller (lower capacity) battery.
This difference can be overcome by charging
larger batteries at a higher current.
3. Battery Age and Condition
As a battery ages, its internal resistance willl
increase, impacting its ability to accept current.
This effect is particularly noticeable in batteries
that have not been well-maintained over their life.
4. Battery Type
Some battery chemistries, such as AGM and gel,
have lower internal resistance which means they
can accept charge better without generating
damaging heat. Such batteries can charge up to
2 times faster than traditional wet battery types.
5. Charge Rate
The charge rate is measured in amperes (A). A
battery charged at a lower rate will take longer to
fully charge than a battery charged at a higher
rate. This does not mean that one should always
charge a battery at the highest ampere available
as this can cause overheating and premature
battery failure. A battery should be charged at a
rate appropriate for its size—a good, safe rule of
thumb is about 1/10 its Amp-hour capacity (e.g.,
100 Ah battery x 1/10=10 A).
6. Cold Temperature
Cold temperatures slow down the chemical
reaction that takes place inside a battery when it is
charging. Charging a battery at a cold temperature
can greatly increase the amount of time required
to charge the battery. Ideal charging temperature
is between 10 to 25ºC (50 to 77ºF).
UNDERSTANDING THE MULTI-STAGE CHARGING PROCESS
*
*
*
*
STAGE 1 DESULPHATION*
Pulses of voltage and current help recover
sulphated or deeply discharged batteries.
STAGE 2 SOFT START*
Gently introduces current to condition deeply
discharged batteries and prevent overheating
that could damage the battery.
STAGE 3 BULK
Charging with maximum current to bring the
battery to about 80% capacity.
STAGE 4 ABSORPTION
Charging with constant voltage while reducing
current to safely bring the battery to 100%
capacity. This stage is key to maximizing
battery performance and battery life.
STAGE 5 ANALYZE
Tests if battery is holding charge.
STAGE 6 MAINTENANCE
Monitors battery voltage and provides top-up
charging when necessary to keep battery fully
charged
.
* If necessary
UNDERSTANDING FACTORS THAT AFFECT CHARGING TIME
CHARGING YOUR BATTERY
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Model no. 011-1969-4 Questions? Contact us 1-888-942-6686
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