Inverter/charger Q?

[bobofthenorth]

I was told not to equalize gel or AGM batteries.  Is there any truth to that?

I've heard conflicting advice on that but I think it helped my AGMs.  The first time I did it the batteries were three or four years old already and I think it made a difference to how much charge they would hold.  That might have been my imagination but it convinced me and now I do it once or twice a year. 

[technomadia]

I was told not to equalize gel or AGM batteries.  Is there any truth to that?

Gels should never be equalized. 

AGMs can be equalized... but only very carefully and if you know what you're doing.  Careful not exceed the battery manufacturers specs at all, or can permanently damage them.

Equalizing should be considered a general maintenance routine for flooded lead acid, however.


Lithium ion doesn't need equalizing at all, and can sustain & operate at lower temps than other battery chemistries.

- Cherie

[thomasinnv]

Hey, Derrick.  Thanks for that info (I asked a similar question a few weeks ago and got good info then too) but I wanted to ask.  How does your system "equalize"?  I mean, is there a button on a control panel?  Is it auto or do you have to shut it down manually?  Thanks,  BH

some systems are automatic, some are manual. Some automatic systems can also be triggered manually, and some automatic systems can be user configured to do a variety of things. My converter/charger is a 3 stage smart charger that will trigger an equalize cycle if the charger remains in a float state for 21 days. It is non-configurable, so what you got is what you get. For example, if no 12v power is used onboard then the charger remains in float mode indefinitely, or until an equalize cycle is triggered after 21 days. If power is used, then the charger automatically comes out of float (13.2v) and goes into absorption (13.6v). once the call for power goes away, the charger will eventually go back to float and start it's 21 day countdown over again.  My solar charge controller, which is also a 3 stage, has to be triggered manually by pressing in a recessed button. The cycle also has to be ended manually by pressing the switch again. When we spend alot of time dry camping (several weeks or more), I will usually trigger a manual equalize cycle on the solar charger once we are plugged in somewhere and the converter has fully charged the batteries.

[Oonrahnjay]

(snip) some systems are automatic, some are manual. (snip)

     Thanks, good info to know.  I'll check the instruction manual on my system.

[rv_safetyman]

My Trace SW2512 has an equalize capability.  You need to set both the voltage and the time.  For flooded lead acid, the recommended voltage (per Trace manual) is 15.5 volts. 

What I can't find is the time.  They always say to go by the manufacturer's data, but I have not been able to find that for my Sam's (Johnson Control?) golf cart batteries.  In previous threads, the responses varied widely.

Jim

[thomasinnv]

My Trace SW2512 has an equalize capability.  You need to set both the voltage and the time.  For flooded lead acid, the recommended voltage (per Trace manual) is 15.5 volts. 

What I can't find is the time.  They always say to go by the manufacturer's data, but I have not been able to find that for my Sam's (Johnson Control?) golf cart batteries.  In previous threads, the responses varied widely.

Jim

I know what you mean. I have heard varied responses as well, any where from 2 hours to 12 hours or more. I wouldn't think 2 hours to be enough time, especially if the batteries were abused for a while, as many of us are inclined to do. I usually do about 6 to 8 hours. Make sure to check the water level before and after doing an equalize cycle as well. Matter of fact, maintaining a proper water level at all times is probably more important to battery health and longevity then the discharge/recharge levels. I would be willing to bet that more people end up replacing batteries long before they should because of neglecting this simple maintenance item, rather than actually exceeding the life expectancy of the batteries.

[luvrbus]

Fwiw Lifeline recommends you equalize their AGM batteries you get a chart it is fairly simple 15 volts for a period of time

good luck

[bobofthenorth]

My Heart holds the equalizing charge for roughly 8 hours.  I set it before we go to bed so that it doesn't mess with any sensitive 12 volt loads (like my primitive homemade LED lighting for instance).

[Old_Curmudgeon]

Here's a good DEEP CYCLE BATTERY FAQ website, which removes a lot of the guesswork and "I think Joe told me this or that":

http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/Battery_FAQ.htm