KLW2
08-25-07, 07:22 AM
What is the best way to charge a sealed 12v 5 - 10 AH lead acid battery without causing damage? I have an old 10 amp trickle charger would that work? Would it damage the sealed battery?
Thanks
Keith
Thanks
Keith
Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Best way to carge sealed battery
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linux_author
08-25-07, 08:34 AM
- is the battery a sealed gel cell? (SLA, or sealed lead acid)...
- if so, a 5Ah to 10Ah gel cell needs a monitored 500ma charge (although you can get away with charging for six hours, then testing voltage readings - which should be in the 12.5 - 13.7V range)...
- an automotive trickle charger most likely puts out too much amperage for charging (2A on trickle, IIRC), and is designed for 100-70Ah batteries, NOT 5-10Ah SLAs...
- root about your electronics junk box for a transformer that outputs 13-15V at 500ma, and properly build an adapter (paying careful attention to the positive and negative terminals!)... otherwise buy a commercial SLA charger...
- JMHO, YMMV
- if so, a 5Ah to 10Ah gel cell needs a monitored 500ma charge (although you can get away with charging for six hours, then testing voltage readings - which should be in the 12.5 - 13.7V range)...
- an automotive trickle charger most likely puts out too much amperage for charging (2A on trickle, IIRC), and is designed for 100-70Ah batteries, NOT 5-10Ah SLAs...
- root about your electronics junk box for a transformer that outputs 13-15V at 500ma, and properly build an adapter (paying careful attention to the positive and negative terminals!)... otherwise buy a commercial SLA charger...
- JMHO, YMMV
wmodavis
08-25-07, 05:49 PM
Check out the Battery University site that has the disadvantage of way too much info - unless that's what you want. I think it's dynamite! On charging Lead Acid batteries check here http://batteryuniversity.com/partone-13.htm
KLW2
08-25-07, 08:27 PM
Thanks guys!
intrepidbiker
08-26-07, 10:12 AM
- is the battery a sealed gel cell? (SLA, or sealed lead acid)...
- if so, a 5Ah to 10Ah gel cell needs a monitored 500ma charge (although you can get away with charging for six hours, then testing voltage readings - which should be in the 12.5 - 13.7V range)...
- an automotive trickle charger most likely puts out too much amperage for charging (2A on trickle, IIRC), and is designed for 100-70Ah batteries, NOT 5-10Ah SLAs...
- root about your electronics junk box for a transformer that outputs 13-15V at 500ma, and properly build an adapter (paying careful attention to the positive and negative terminals!)... otherwise buy a commercial SLA charger...
- JMHO, YMMV
http://www.ekitchengadgets.com/veblde2ampfl.html
I bought a Black & Decker trickle smart charger. You can set it to charge at 1 or 2 amps. It has lights to let you know if you have a bad connection, charging, or set to maintenance charge.
Are you saying that setting it to charge at 1amp is too much? I'll harm my 12volt 5ah battery?
- if so, a 5Ah to 10Ah gel cell needs a monitored 500ma charge (although you can get away with charging for six hours, then testing voltage readings - which should be in the 12.5 - 13.7V range)...
- an automotive trickle charger most likely puts out too much amperage for charging (2A on trickle, IIRC), and is designed for 100-70Ah batteries, NOT 5-10Ah SLAs...
- root about your electronics junk box for a transformer that outputs 13-15V at 500ma, and properly build an adapter (paying careful attention to the positive and negative terminals!)... otherwise buy a commercial SLA charger...
- JMHO, YMMV
http://www.ekitchengadgets.com/veblde2ampfl.html
I bought a Black & Decker trickle smart charger. You can set it to charge at 1 or 2 amps. It has lights to let you know if you have a bad connection, charging, or set to maintenance charge.
Are you saying that setting it to charge at 1amp is too much? I'll harm my 12volt 5ah battery?
linux_author
08-26-07, 03:04 PM
http://www.ekitchengadgets.com/veblde2ampfl.html
I bought a Black & Decker trickle smart charger. You can set it to charge at 1 or 2 amps. It has lights to let you know if you have a bad connection, charging, or set to maintenance charge.
Are you saying that setting it to charge at 1amp is too much? I'll harm my 12volt 5ah battery?
check out amazon's ratings on this model:
http://www.amazon.com/Decker-VEC080BD-Automatic-Battery-Charger/dp/B000EJTI7I
and yes, i'd not use that charger for a 5aH gel cell...
I bought a Black & Decker trickle smart charger. You can set it to charge at 1 or 2 amps. It has lights to let you know if you have a bad connection, charging, or set to maintenance charge.
Are you saying that setting it to charge at 1amp is too much? I'll harm my 12volt 5ah battery?
check out amazon's ratings on this model:
http://www.amazon.com/Decker-VEC080BD-Automatic-Battery-Charger/dp/B000EJTI7I
and yes, i'd not use that charger for a 5aH gel cell...
intrepidbiker
08-29-07, 02:27 AM
Damn. I've ordered a new charger. I was hoping to start commuting to work this week. Looks like I'll have to put it off for a week until the new charger arrives.
supton
08-29-07, 06:58 AM
Bummer. I need to think about adding a switch to my current charger, I believe I have it set to 1A currently. Which is a bit too much for the 7Ahr batteries I used to have. [They were UPS pulls; 3 I didn't use, and I think they are officially bad now, showing 7V or less, while the one I've been using will only charge to 11V--shorted cell, drat!] I need to go battery shopping, and think about a charger also.