equalization-- How do I know when to do it

[elfking]

I have 4 gc2 6v batteries wired in a series parallel twelve volt bank and a link 2000 battery monitor. What are the indications that an equalization cycle is needed.

 

[markwesti]

Hi, first off I'm not a expert on this and I have no experience with 6V . OK first thing you need to do is get a hydrometer , now check all the cells . This should be on batts. that are new and holding a charge . If your cells are different you could do a equalization . There is a lot of info on this pro and con . For myself I decided it wasn't worth it . My cells were good anyway (I have two gp. 27 deep cycles) I do a hydro test once in a while . But the main thing I think is to just keep the fluid level correct and a good charge on them .

 

[seadaddler]

trojan

trojan batteries recommends every
month but i do it every few months
do not wait and should be done
every few months to keep from build up

 

[srhummer]

Looking at the Trojan site -- "Many experts recommend that batteries be equalized periodically, ranging anywhere from once a month to once or twice per year. However, Trojan only recommends equalizing when low or wide ranging specific gravity (+/- .015) are detected after fully charging a battery."

Here are the steps they outline...

Step-By-Step Equalizing

1. Verify the battery(s) are flooded type.
2. Remove all loads from the batteries.
3. Connect battery charger.
4. Set charger for the equalizing voltage (See Table 2 in the Charging section). If your charger doesn’t have an equalization mode, you can unplug the charger and re-plug it back in. This also will conduct the equalization charge.
5. Start charging batteries.
6. Batteries will begin gassing and bubbling vigorously.
7. Take specific gravity readings every hour.
8. Equalization is complete when specific gravity values no longer rise during the gassing stage.

 

[Bill Roosa]

You do equalization when the battery cells are not all equal in voltage. Two ways to tell, hydrometer or volt meter. the hydrometer is pretty self explanatory. the question is how much difference in fluid density is enough to warrant equalization? A volt meter will tell directly, just stick the probe in the electrolyte (don't touch the plates) in adjacent cells and read the cell voltage. end cells can be read by placing one probe on the battery terminal nearest that cell. Anything over 0.2 volts needs equalization.