I have a Freedom 20 with the remote which allows for an equalizing charge. The manual recommends this be done periodically. Far as I know, the Lifeline AGM 31s I have had for about a year have never had an equlizing charge, but they don't really get much use. What are the opinions on this procedure. I know it is not done for gel bats, but I understand AGMs are technically wet cell and are treated as such, except they can accept a slightly higher charge rate [says the Freedom manual].
Equalizing Charge
- Thread starter wufibugs
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Be very careful equalizing sealed cells (AGM or Gel). Overcharging can cause them to vent which can ruin them.
Xantrex in their Truecharge 20+/40+ owner's manual says that you shouldn't equalize them. Others say to do it carefully, but less often than for flooded cells.
YMMV
Xantrex in their Truecharge 20+/40+ owner's manual says that you shouldn't equalize them. Others say to do it carefully, but less often than for flooded cells.
YMMV
I would recommend not equalizing AGM batteries unless specifically told to do so by the battery manufacturer. The higher voltage of the equalizing process is likely to fry the electrolyte in the batteries.
I agree with Sailingdog. If you vent your AGM during an equalizing charge there is no way to get the electrolyte back in the battery and it will kill it.
No you can't pop the vents off and refill them!
No you can't pop the vents off and refill them!
I have Lifeline group 31's that are now eight years old. I have conditioned them several times in accordance with the Lifeline specifications.
See procedure on their web site:
http://www.lifelinebatteries.com/manual.pdf
Dave
s/v ARIEL
See procedure on their web site:
http://www.lifelinebatteries.com/manual.pdf
Dave
s/v ARIEL
Thanks Dave,
I, too, have AGMs, ( though not Lifeline). I, (like others), was always under the impression that AGMs should not be equalized / conditioned.
Thanks for the link to Lifeline and the info contained therein.
Buck
The higher voltages associated with equalization neccesitates making sure sensitive electrical equipment is turned off or disconnected. A pulser is on my wish list. As I understand it, you need a pulser for every bank. Though the cost of one pulser is affordable, the cost of three prevents me from embracing the new technology.
I looked at the manual Dave was kind enough to link. It is obviously a sensitive process involving very specific voltages for very specific durations. I don't have a charger that will output these specific voltages, and am not at all sure what voltage the Freedom 20 is programmed to output. The only thing I can tell from the manual is that the equalization process is pegged for 8 hours. The Lifeline manual seems to specify half that. I wonder if I send some excerpted material from the Lifeline manual to Xantrex if they will comment.
They probably won't wifi. Reason is that folks at Xantrex bought the Heart Freedom IC line and they know nothing about it.
The Freedom 20 can equalize, although if you don't have a Link 1000 or 2000 or 2000R with your Freedom 20, you won't be able to equalize anyway, because you need the Link to control the charger to do that. I also think the Freedom remote panel can do that, but it requires changing dip switch settings, which is a pain.
Most other equalization instructions are for a minimum of four hours, rather than the linked manual's specific 8 hours. I read it too and I think it's a bit over the top, but couldn't hurt. Anytime equalizing make sure of two things: you're there and there's adequate ventilation.
The Freedom 20 can equalize, although if you don't have a Link 1000 or 2000 or 2000R with your Freedom 20, you won't be able to equalize anyway, because you need the Link to control the charger to do that. I also think the Freedom remote panel can do that, but it requires changing dip switch settings, which is a pain.
Most other equalization instructions are for a minimum of four hours, rather than the linked manual's specific 8 hours. I read it too and I think it's a bit over the top, but couldn't hurt. Anytime equalizing make sure of two things: you're there and there's adequate ventilation.
Correct, Stu. The remote will allow it but it requires changing the 1 dip setting for 1 second and then restoring to off. I have to admit I am nervous about doing this. That's several hundred dollars worth of batteries. The manual does not really describe this process, whether shutting it down prematurely could cause damage, or indeed how to shut it down were I to elect to do a 4 hour equalize. Interestingly, Xantrex says, "never attempt to equalize maintenance free batteries". [http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/257/DocServe.aspx] The same article says the cycle can be shut down early to override the 8 hour pre-programmed equalize cycle.
But is it really worth risking the batteries for what may or may not be of any benefit. Given the risks, are the very minimal benefits really worth it?
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