12V Battery Chargers: Facts About Smart Battery Chargers
Almost all new marine battery chargers and on-board battery chargers nowadays has a two voltage system functionality both for 12 and 24-volt Versapak batteries with variable-current charging system like 30, 15 and 6 amps. They are also complete with a 3 stage charging system that makes it possible for it to charge different types of batteries to its full potential. It works by firstly releasing a high current followed by a low current and a much lower current when it is just about full. The voltage and current stimulated by the charger and the time between changing from every phase is completely different depending on the kind of battery you use. For example if you have a Gel Cell battery pack you can use the options for this type of battery by means of display control unit.
With the included unique software allows it for a slightly lower charge voltage and higher store voltage to protect delicate true Gel Cell batteries. Working with a selector switch, you can shift between the different kinds of power packs such as Flooded, Gel and AGM cell battery packs. Other important capabilities that commonly integrated to a more advanced battery charger is the capability to conform in any weather condition and ambient temperature, most chargers now incorporate an option that enables you to select between different temperature presets. Different temperature settings affect how the chargers operate to reach its highest possible effectiveness even in the coldest and hottest part of the year.
An excellent charger need to have safety features built into it besides to the standard circuit breaker and glass fuse that normally included when you order them and are also typical circuit safety equipment in almost all automotive vehicles and huge motorboats. It needs to have a inverted polarity protection circuit to prevent the battery and the charger from short circuiting in case you unexpectedly miss-wired it.
Some companies even have a fail-safe program that utilizes a timer so that it will immediately turn to maintenance mode when it surpasses the regular time it normally takes to charge a specific kind of battery. This will ensure that it will not get overcharged and affect the electric battery even if you left it alone. Considering that youa€™re using it on a boat, you should find one that can stand up to rust from moisture and salt water. Boats are always exposed to shocks specially when there is a storm or large waves, your device should be shockproof.
Whenever you purchase a completely new unit it normally consists of all the things you need to attach and link it to the battery pack. It is usually included with the regular mounting bracket and the screws to keep it in place. The wire to connect it to the battery pack and the terminals and alligator clamp for temporary connection are also provided. The span of the wires is long enough so you can install the charger next to the electric battery.
If you want to place it away from the electric batteries, you need to buy longer wires. Similar with the input, usually it only include about six feet of cord wire so you need to use an extension cord or if you want you can wire it using a heavy-duty on-board charger inlet so you can just link it from the outside of the boat. You need to also select one with the right size or capacity, you can choose from 30, 15, 10 and 6 amps charger. Choosing an underrated one will take it longer to charge and sometimes will trigger a malfunction triggering the fail-safe protection timer that stops it from overcharging.
