Welcome to installment #2 of Weekly Battery Care Tips presented by Standard Battery Inc.
- Avoid Charging your deep cycle batteries above 120°F or ambient, whichever is higher.
- Deep cycle batteries need to be equalized periodically. Equalizing is an extended, low current charge performed after the normal charge cycle. This extra charge helps keep all cells in balance. Actively used batteries should be equalized once per month. Manually timed charger should have the charge time extended approximately 3 hours. Automatically controlled charger should be unplugged and reconnected after completing a charge.
- In situations where multiple batteries are connected in series, parallel or series/parallel, replacement battery(s) should be of the same size, age and usage level as the companion batteries. Do not put a new battery into a pack which has 50 or more cycles. Either replace with all new or use a good used battery(s).
- Periodic battery testing is an important preventative maintenance procedure. Hydometer readings of each cell (fully charged) gives an indication of balance and true charge level. Imbalance could mean the need for equalizing; is often a sign of improper charging or a bad cell. Voltage checks (0pen circuit, charged and discharged) can locate a bad battery or weak battery. Load testing will pick out a bad battery when other methods fail. A weak battery will cause premature failure of companion batteries.
- Always use a matched charger and battery pack system. Unmatched chargers will cause potential problems.
- As batteries age, their maintenance requirements change. This means longer charging time and/or higher finish rate (higher amperage at the end of charge). Usually older batteries need to be watered more often and their capacity will decrease.
Check back next week for more tips on properly maintaining your deep cycle batteries!!
