The Do’s and Don’ts of Battery Charging

When looking to carry out internal battery charging there are several points that must be considered in order to carry out the process safely and efficiently. While safety is the paramount concern when dealing with dangerous materials making sure you understand the correct procedure will also give your battery a longer life.

There are a variety of dangers present when dealing with lead acid and the first step should be making sure the correct PPE is being used at all times. We understand that some people seem to have an aversion to safety gear and can tell you without doubt that this is an incredibly dangerous situation to put yourself in.

Battery Charging General Tips

Over time your battery will self-discharge even without any load. Lead acid batteries will discharge quicker than other types but even if you have a GEL, AGM and Calcium battery you should still be charging them regularly. If you are forgetful or are looking for a somewhat set-and-forget approach you can even install a trickle charger to keep them topped up.

Using the right charger can also improve the life of your battery and help avoid any potential failures. As an example, GEL cells require a lower charging voltage than other types. Some battery chargers even come with a temperature sensor and compensation to attach to the battery while charging.

If you are not sure what charger is best for your battery you can often check the documentation that came with it. A good rule of thumb is 10% of the amp-hour rating of the battery as a minimum i.e. 10A charger for 1000 amp-hour battery. Monitoring the temperature of your battery is a great idea. Warm is good, hot is not.

If the battery is flooded you need to approach the charging process differently. Flooded batteries cannot generally accept high currents for sustained periods. Doing so can damage the battery and strip the plates.

If possible, using an automatic, multi-stage charger will help further extend battery life. Most vehicles have alternators that are unable to fully charge a battery. A charger or solar arrangement with at least a three stage charging control should do the trick.

A charger can also have what is called “Float Mode” which will kick in when the battery is fully charged. During this mode the voltage is reduced so that the battery does not overcharge but is continually topped up to keep the battery in a non-sulphate state.

Never flatten the battery as this can strip the active material off the plates. It is a common myth that batteries perform better when taken from full to completely empty. Flattening a battery completely will actually reduce their lifespan. Keeping this in mind, a good rule of thumb is charging the battery once it reaches 40 – 50% capacity.

Get a professional to carry out the process correctly

If you think your battery needs some maintenance then often the best course of action is to take it to a professional to have it inspected. If any work needs to be carried out it can then be done by someone who is an expert in the field and will follow the correct safety procedures.

Bashi’s Auto Electrical have seen just about everything when it comes to batteries. We carry a great range of replacements from Power Crank batteries and can give you the best advice to make sure you get the right battery for your needs.

No matter if you are driving a big rig, a decked out 4WD or a standard car everyone has different needs and expectations when it comes to batteries. The last thing anyone ever wants is to be stuck without power and calling roadside.

Give us a call today on 07 5495 7333 or contact us online to organise a time to bring your car, 4WD or truck in for a battery inspection. We can give you the full picture and let you know any possible maintenance that should be carried out in order to give it the best lifespan possible.