Charging Gell Batteries

[TFrere]

I just acquired an 8D gell battery and am planning to install it as my house battery in my boat. I currently have AGM batteries and my voltage when charging is near 14 volts. I was told that gell batteries require special chargers and cannot handle voltages too high. My 108 amp alternator also puts out about 14 volts. I am currently using this charger:
http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Sho...y-Charger-XPS-iT-10/10/product/10224686/50295

Do I need to do anything different to use a gell battery? My starter battery is an Optima AGM.
Thanks

 

[Steve Dion]

Your charger should have a switch to charge the Gel batteries. I would check with the mfg. for their suggestion regarding the max. charge voltage.

It does not appear that the charger is designed for Gel or AGM charging schemes. I use a Xantrex XC charger for my Gel's.

As for your alternator, you can get an external regulator to control that charge scheme.

 

[Maine Sail]

Most gel cells can not be charged higher than 14.1 volts. Charging higher than 14.1 will cause them to form bubbles in the electrolyte, which is the consistency of Jello. Once the bubbles for they are permanent and the batteries begin to degrade rapidly.

If it is a free battery go a head and give it a shot. Test your voltage first AT THE BATTERY. This test should be done when the battery is in "absorption" mode or "full" with a "dumb alternator regulator". If the voltage at the battery is higher than 14.1V you will damage the gel battery.

Mixing chemistry, as in start/house is not advised unless you have a B2B charger like the Sterling Bank to Bank (B2B) charger... The charge voltage on your AGM needs to be higher than the gel and this can be tricky.... The only product that can accept a gel voltage and "boost" to an AGM voltage is the Sterling B2B charger....

 

[TFrere]

Thanks to both of you. I think I'll stay with the AGMs until they are at the end of their life cycle.