Battery equalization

[Seattle Scott]

I have the Xantrex Truecharge 20 amp charger. It has an equilization feature and the manual says that it will shut off equalization after 6 hours. I have 4 100 12v wet cell batteries. If the water is topped off, can I just use the 6 hour program, rather than hang around the boat checking all the cells every half hour or so? Will the thing really shut off automatically?

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Equalization tends to boil off some water so make sure they are at the proper level before starting if you do not plan on being around to watch. It will auto shut off unless something interrupts the process.

 

[David W]

Personally...

I have the Xantrex Truecharge 20 amp charger. It has an equilization feature and the manual says that it will shut off equalization after 6 hours. I have 4 100 12v wet cell batteries. If the water is topped off, can I just use the 6 hour program, rather than hang around the boat checking all the cells every half hour or so? Will the thing really shut off automatically?

I'd be nervous about cranking the charging voltage to over 15 volts and not being on board to watch over matters.

Just my opinion...

David

 

[Stu Jackson]

Never equalize without being there.

www.amplepower.com, tech tab, download the Ample Power Primer.

You only need about 4 hours.

 

[Seattle Scott]

thanks for the cautions

Guess I will find some chores to do while hanging around the boat.

 

[larryw]

Be aware that most units can't equalize all four batteries at the same time. You may have to separate them into two banks, maybe even one batt at a time, to achieve good results. Be sure to turn off everything, radio presets, reefers, etc. The high voltage will fry some things.