Acceptance to Float Transition Points

BATTERY CHARGING

Gel cell and Advanced AGM batteries can accept a higher rate of charge. Consult the manufacturer for specifications.

Stage 2 - Acceptance Charge The acceptance stage immediately follows the bulk charge stage. During this stage the

battery voltage is held constant at the bulk charge voltage limit and the current gradually ramps down. During this stage the battery is accepting its final amount of charge current and the last of the sulfate on the plates is removed.

The acceptance stage lasts until the charge current reaches the transition point. A timer will terminate the acceptance stage if this current level is not reached.

Freedom 15 & 15D	10 Ampere DC
Freedom 20 & 20D	15 Ampere DC

Maximum acceptance time is 1 hour for wet and AGM cells and 3 hours for gel cells. Gel cell acceptance time can be longer because they are less likely to gas. Expect wet cell batteries to gas somewhat during acceptance, this is a necessary part of the charging process.

NOTE: The acceptance stage timer is not used when Link Instruments control the charger. Refer to the Link Owner’s Manual.

Stage 3 - Float Charge When the acceptance stage is terminated, either because the charge current ramped down to the transition point or the timer engaged, the charge current will shut off. The unit monitors the battery voltage while it drifts down from the acceptance charge voltage limit. When it reaches the float voltage set point, the float charge stage is engaged.

The float charge stage holds the battery voltage constant at a preset lower level, where it is safe for long term battery maintenance. During the float charge stage, the full output current of the battery charger is available to operate any DC appliances that may be on the system, while constantly maintaining the float charge voltage.

The battery charger remains in the float charge stage indefinitely until the charger is disconnected from incoming AC power or turned OFF on the unit or with the Remote Control Panel or Link Instrumentation.

Stage 4 - Equalizing Charge This is the only battery charger stage which is not engaged automatically. It must be manually initiated each time. Applying an equalizing charge is possible only with a Remote Control Panel or Link Instrument.

Periodic equalizing is recommended by most wet cell deep-cycle battery manu- facturers. There are no firm rules for how often an equalizing charge should be applied. Follow the battery manufacturer’s recommen- dations for equalizing.

Part No. 90-0123-00 Libertycombi.p65 10/26/98