Battery Charging

The equalizing charge is a timed, 8-hour cycle. The cycle can be ended early by inter- rupting the AC power to the charger at any time during the cycle. Equalizing should only be engaged after the batteries have been fully charged by a normal battery charging cycle.

During this equalizing stage, the battery voltage will increase to the equalize voltage. This will cause the battery bank to gas profusely and will accomplish the following:

1.Removal of residual sulfate. Each time a battery is cycled (discharged and charged), a small amount of sulfate is left on the plates.

Over time, this gradual build-up of sulfate will compromise the performance of the battery. By applying an equalizing charge, the sulfate is returned back to the electrolyte, raising the specific gravity and fully exposing the active material of the plates.

2.Bring all cells to the same potential. All lead-acid batteries are made up of individual 2 volt cells. As the battery bank is cycled, slight differences in the cells result in different cell voltages, affecting the overall charge effectiveness. Equalizing brings all cells to the same voltage and the electrolyte in each cell to the same specific gravity.

3.Mixing up of the electrolyte. Electrolyte in battery cells tend to separate into layers of acid and water. The vigorous bubbling action of the battery during equalizing serves to physically mix the electrolyte. Refer to the Remote Control Panel and Link Owner’s Manuals for additional cautions on equalizing.

Note: Do not equalize gel cell batteries.

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