Selecting a Charger

Most deep cycle applications have some sort of charging system already installed for battery charging (e.g. solar panels, inverter, golf car charger, alternator, etc.). However, there are still systems with deep cycle batteries where an individual charger must be selected. Also when changing between Flooded, AGM and Gel type batteries the existing charger may need to be changed and/or the voltage cutoffs reset. Most high quality scrubbers and sweepers have selector switches built into there systems that allow the user to change between Flooded and Gel type batteries.

What follows will help in making a proper selection.

There are many types of chargers available today. They are usually rated by their voltage and there start rates or the rate in amperes that the charger will supply at the beginning of the charge cycle. When selecting a charger, the charge rate should be between 10% and 30% of the battery’s 20-hour AH capacity. For example, a battery with a 20-hour capacity rating of 100 AH should use a charger rated between approximately 10 and 30 amps (for multiple battery charging use the AH rating of the entire bank to determine the charger rating required). Chargers with lower ratings can be used but the charging time will be increased.

We recommend using our NEXEN Discover™ line of chargers which can be matched specifically with your battery. NEXEN Discover™ chargers prolong battery life with their charging profile. Alternatively we recommend using a 3-stage voltage compensating and temperature sensing charger. These chargers usually have three distinct charging stages: bulk, acceptance, and float. Some chargers that claim to have an equalize mode or stage should not be used on AGM or GEL batteries. NEXEN chargers have “Balance Charge” modes included in there “single cycle” charge algorithms. Balance Charging is similar to an equalize charge but is performed at a lower voltage.