What do the abbreviations GEL, AGM and MF mean?

Gel, AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat), MF (Maintenance Free) are abbreviations for different types of lead-acid batteries. Our battery chargers are compatible with all types of 12V lead-acid batteries.

What is the AGM battery ?

 In an AGM, or absorbed glass mat battery, there is no loose electrolyte flooding the plates, rather it is absorbed into the glass mat plates. These
batteries are sealed and therefore do not have the risks of spilling unlike wet batteries. AGM batteries have a lower self discharge rate than other lead-acid chemistries, and are able to be discharged at a greater depth without internal damage. Always charge AGM batteries using the COLD/AGM Mode. 

What is the GEL battery ?

The electrolyte in gel cell battery is gelatinized, meaning the spill risks associated with wet batteries are eliminated. Gel batteries are popular in the power sport, food and hospital industries due to their gelatinous electrolyte which lowers the hazardous effects of a acid battery spills. In ambient temperatures, charge gel batteries using the NORM Mode. 

What is the Lead-Acid battery ?

Lead-acid batteries have been around for centuries, and still the greater part of their basic design remains the same. These batteries offer are a cost efficient rechargeable energy source with a relatively low weight to capacity ratio. Their design and efficiency makes these batteries commonplace for a wide array of applications.

Although new types of lead-acid batteries are constantly being developed, all lead-acid batteries still have the same basic design components. A battery is composed of e cells which are made up of three basic components: a positive and negative plate, surrounded by electrolyte enclosed in a protective case. 

Each 2V cell is then connected in series to create a 6V or 12V battery. For that reason, 6V batteries have three (3) cells, and 12V batteries have six (6) cells. 12V batteries prove to be the most common across applications, and can be seen in everything from modern vehicles, motorcycles and boats.

What is the Lithium-Ion battery ?

These batteries are a newer battery technology, especially when compared to lead-acid technology. These batteries offer an incredibly high energy to weight to ratio, making them one of the most energy efficient batteries available in today’s consumer market.
Lithium-ion batteries are a different technology than lead-acid batteries. Unlike lead-acid batteries, they are pressurized and composed of lithium-ion cells. The lithium-ion cell has a positive and negative lithium plate, a separator and are filled with electrolyte solution. The separator often is made of plastic and works to keep ions flowing from the positive to the negative plate. As the battery discharges, the ions flow from the positive to the negative plate.
Lithium-ion batteries start degrading once they are manufactured, therefore it is imperative to read the manufacturer’s date when purchasing. These batteries have very low self discharge rate of 1-2% per month.
Always charge lithium-ion batteries using the lithium-ion Mode.

What is the Maintenance Free(MF) battery ?

This refers to a battery which is sealed and does not require the addition of distilled water. SLA (sealed lead-acid) and VRLA (valve-
regulated lead-acid) are always MF. These batteries are often made with excess electrolyte calculated to compensate for water loss during a normal lifetime. MF batteries are virtually maintenance free because they are sealed and you do not monitor the electrolyte within the battery. In ambient temperatures, charge MF, SLA and VRLA batteries using the NORM Mode.

Can I mix old and new batteries ?

Do not mix old and new batteries. Doing so will reduce overall performance and may cause battery leakage or rupture. We recommend replacing all batteries within a device.

Can I recharge any battery ?

You can only recharge a battery if it’s specifically marked “rechargeable.” Recharging a non-rechargeable battery may cause it to rupture or leak and may cause personal injury.

Do all batteries last the same amount of time ?

No, different batteries provide different lengths of life and power output depending on the type and amount of chemicals used to compose them. Think of it like cooking a meal: Using different ingredients and amounts make the meal taste different.

Do rechargeable battery chargers shut off when charging is complete ?

chargers switch to a trickle charge when the normal charge is complete. You should unplug your charger when charging is complete or when it is not in use.

Doesn’t it matter what type of battery I use in my device ?

Always replace the battery or batteries in your equipment with the size and type specified by the manufacturer. Alkaline batteries are often recommended for best performance because zinc carbon batteries have inferior life spans and equipment may not operate properly if zinc carbon batteries are used.

How can I get a better life out of my batteries ?

Here are a few tips to help extend the life of your batteries. – Turn off battery-operated radios and appliances when they’re not in use – Remove batteries from devices that won’t be used for a while – Store your batteries in a dry place at normal room temperature without the contacts touching.

What is Microprocessor Controlled Charging?

A microprocessor controlled battery charger is designed to provide fast, safe and efficient charging to a wide variety of battery types and sizes. Advanced microprocessor controlled algorithms monitor the charging process to avoid battery damage caused by overcharging. Simply put, the charger collects information from the battery and adjusts the charge current and voltage based on this information. This allows the battery to be charged quickly, correctly, and completely when using a microprocessor controlled battery charger. Because of this, fast charging does not have negative effects on the capacity of the battery and on battery cycle-life. The multi-phase charging process ensures that each battery gets the power it needs in a manner that is best for the health of the battery ensuring that all of the energy is properly absorbed by the battery whether it’s a Conventional, AGM, Gel Cell, Marine or Deep Cycle battery. Microprocessor controlled battery chargers can remain connected to the battery indefinitely and will not overcharge or damage it. Microprocessor controlled battery chargers are faster, safer and certainly more efficient than "old school" transformer type battery chargers.

What is Tricker Charger ?

Linear battery chargers or ‘trickle chargers’ provide a constant current to the battery regardless of the charge level of the battery.
Trickle charging technology does not have the ability to adjust or alter the charging current based on the organic feedback from the battery. Trickle chargers have the ability to overcharge and damage your batteries, you cannot leave your battery connected to a trickle charger and expect it to be maintained properly. If you were to leave your lead-acid battery connected to a trickle charger for six (6) months, it is likely that you would return to an overcharged and damaged battery.

When should I use a 2-amp, 4-amp, 6.5-amp or 12-amp charge rate?

This depends on how fast you want to charge your battery and the size of the actual battery you are charging. The higher the amp setting, the faster your battery will charge. For smaller batteries like lawn/tractors and motorcycles, we suggest a 2-amp charge rate, as higher charge rates may create a dangerous condition. Check your battery specifications for the charge rate.

Why doesn't my automatic battery charger shut off in the 2-amp position when charging my vehicle or deep-cycle battery?

The 2-amp charge rate is intended for small batteries such as motorcycles, snowmobiles and lawn garden tractors. Consequently, when trying to charge a larger battery at that rate, it will take a very long time and the battery may discharge at a greater rate than the 2-amp charge can provide. It is better to charge a deep cycle battery at a higher charge rate like 6.5-amps, 12-amps or higher. However, check you battery specifications for the proper charge rate.

What’s the difference between starting and deep cycle batteries ?

As the name implies, starting batteries offer a large surge of power required to start the engine. Commonly referred to as SLI or ‘start-light-ignite batteries,’ these batteries typically have thinner plates offering less resistance so that they are able to turn over the engine within seconds.
Deep cycle batteries are more common boat or RVs applications as they are able to provide a lower amperage current over a longer period of time. Due to the demands of deep cycle batteries, they are built with thicker plates with more resistance which allow them to power a trolling motor for hours.

What is Maintain Mode ?

 In this mode, the charger keeps the battery fully charged by delivering a small current when necessary. The maintain mode technology utilized in maintainers allows you to safely charge and maintain a healthy battery for extended periods of time. However, problems with the battery, electrical problems in the vehicle, improper connections or other unanticipated conditions could cause excessive voltage draws. As such, occasionally monitoring the battery and the charging process is recommended.

What is healthy maintenance and why it is very important ?

Good battery maintenance is unquestionably important, but why? Why is it that a battery left in an unused car becomes dead in a few months time? In order to understand why battery maintenance is important to the longevity of your battery, it is important to understand the basics of discharging and charging a battery. 

In short, when a battery is discharging, the chemical reaction between the sulfuric acid and the lead plates produce electricity which gives the energy to the application.

This chemical reaction begins to coat the positive and negative plates with a lead sulfate, which is commonly referred to as sulfation. The accumulation of lead-sulfate is expected and normal during the discharging process. As the battery continues to lose voltage, the lead sulfate begins to coat more and more of the plates, until eventually the sulfation completely covers the plates and the battery is completely discharged.  

Sulfation can be reconverted into active material again if a proper charge is applied soon after the battery becomes discharged. If the ‘soft sulfation’ is left for any period of time, it can become permanent ‘hard sulfation,’ and will cause your battery to loose capacity and power. While charging your battery, the lead sulfate returns to the electrolyte becoming active material again.

Providing the correct charge after the battery is discharged is key to keeping your battery healthy and in great working condition. With that said, charging your battery properly can easily become more involved than discharging it.

Battery chargers with fixed outputs are incapable of providing the correct charge cycle simply because your battery requires changes in amperage and voltage to reach a complete full charge.

Proper charging and maintenance requires an intelligent charging system that has the capability to adjust the charging voltage and amperage based on the needs of your lead-acid battery. Selecting the correct smart charger and using the proper charging mode will provide an optimal charge for your battery and thus increase the lifespan of your battery.

Can I leave the charger connected to the battery for a long time?

Yes.chargers are designed to fully charge a battery and then automatically switch over to long term maintenance. Before leaving the charger unattended for a long time, ensure that the battery is fully charged, as indicated by the green LED.

What charger is suitable for my vehicle?

Choose your charger depending on the size of your battery. The more amps the charger can deliver, the faster the battery will be recharged. The website will give ideal battery size range for each charger in their technical specification.

Can I use a smaller or bigger charger than recommended for my battery?

Choose charger depending on the size of your battery. Charging with a smaller charger than recommended will take longer time and will not optimally extend the battery life and performance. If your battery has an Ah rating that exceeds that of the charger limit it could mean that the charger will be unable to charge the battery sufficiently and may even lead to it becoming discharged. Charging with a bigger charger than recommended will not result in a completely charged battery and will not optimally extend the battery life and performance.

My charger will not start charging – is it broken?

Chargers need some counter voltage to start providing tension/current.  If there's a poor connection between the charger and the battery, charging will not start. If the battery is below 2V, charging will not start.