ESTIMATING CHARGE TIME
This charger adjusts the charging time in order to charge the battery completely, efficiently, and safely. The microprocessor automatically makes all necessary calculations. However, this section includes guidelines that can be used to estimate charging time. Charge times listed are typical. Actual times may vary.
The duration of the charging process depends on each of three factors.
1.Battery state: A battery that has only been slightly discharged could be charged in only a few hours. How- ever, the same battery could take 24 hours to charge if it is very weak. Battery state can be estimated by using a voltmeter to measure the battery voltage or by using a State-
2.Battery rating: A higher rated battery will take much longer to charge than a lower rated battery under the same conditions. A battery’s rating may be indicated in Ampere hours (Ah), Reserve Capacity (RC), or Cold Cranking Amps (CCA). The lower the rating, the quicker the charging will be completed. For example, a very small battery might be rated for 6 Ah and charge in 4 hours, but a very large battery might be rated for 100 Ah and require 24 hours to charge completely.
3.Charge rate: The charge rate is measured in amps. This charger provides charge rates of 2 Amps and 15 Amps. Note: the 100 Amp rate is intended for Engine Start only, NOT continuous charging. A higher charge rate results in a faster charge. Note: The 2 Amp rate might be too low to charge a higher rated battery within the 24 hour time limit the charger allows. However, some smaller batteries, such as motor- cycle and tractor batteries, have a
maximum recommended charge rate much less than 15 Amps. Such batteries should be charged using the 2 Amp setting.
This charger starts charging at the selected rate (2 or 15 Amps) and eventually reduces the charge rate in a precisely controlled manner. After the charging process has started, the Battery Status LEDs can be used to estimate the charge time as explained below.
•Red LED: Checking for properly connected battery, not charging (no output).
•1 Amber LED: Battery detected, charging started, 3 to 10 seconds from start.
•2 Amber LEDs: When second light first glows, charging is roughly at 20% to 25% complete, 1 to 5 hours from start.
•3 Amber LEDs: When third light first glows, charging is roughly at 35% to 50% complete, 3 to 7 hours from start. Battery charged enough for use in vehicle. Note: If charging is restarted after this point, the charger may go straight to Maintain Mode (Green LED).
•4 Amber LEDs: When fourth light first glows, one or two hours are left, battery virtually “good as new”, 4 to 13 hours from start.
•Green LED: Charge complete, battery at maximum charge state, 5 to 14 hours from start.
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