I have a 15 volt battery charger which runs of my 50 amp shore power. I have a switch on my master panel to turn it on or off. I am changing my two house batteries to deep cycle Gel type. The new batteries have a label indicating that when charging, no more than 14.1 volts should be used. The charger does not have any external controls that I can see, although there does appear to be a cover which might be able to be removed to get to the 'guts'. Is there a simple way to reduce the voltage to the batteries? Is a difference of .9 volts going to have a detrimental affect on the longevity of the batteries. These are expensive batteries, and I don't want to be doing something dumb.
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Jeff, 15 volts is too high for normal lead/acid
charging. 14.6 is about the limit. The only time that you want voltage that high is for equalizing. (about 15.5VDC) Now with that said, how do you know your chargers output is that high? And as far as adjusting it, don't know. Maybe you can find a web site or call the manufacturer.
charging. 14.6 is about the limit. The only time that you want voltage that high is for equalizing. (about 15.5VDC) Now with that said, how do you know your chargers output is that high? And as far as adjusting it, don't know. Maybe you can find a web site or call the manufacturer.
Jeff, do NOT hook that charger to those gels!!!
The easiest way to kill a gell battery is to put too high a voltage/current to it. It can cause voids in the gel and then goodby batteries! It sounds like you have a simple 'automotive' type charger. That will NOT work with gel batteries. You mentioned 2 'house batteries'.... does that mean you have a flooded starting battery? If so, you have a further problem because flooded and gel batteries must be charged at different voltages. Sorry if I sound harsh.... just trying to keep you from killing your brand new gel batteries *cry All is not lost... you have 2 great new batteries, they just need special care and attention. Here's a link with some information. Please let us know more specifics and we can be more help. Cheers, Bob s/v X SAIL R 8
The easiest way to kill a gell battery is to put too high a voltage/current to it. It can cause voids in the gel and then goodby batteries! It sounds like you have a simple 'automotive' type charger. That will NOT work with gel batteries. You mentioned 2 'house batteries'.... does that mean you have a flooded starting battery? If so, you have a further problem because flooded and gel batteries must be charged at different voltages. Sorry if I sound harsh.... just trying to keep you from killing your brand new gel batteries *cry All is not lost... you have 2 great new batteries, they just need special care and attention. Here's a link with some information. Please let us know more specifics and we can be more help. Cheers, Bob s/v X SAIL R 8
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