But don’t I have to equalize my Discover™ Gel batteries to prevent stratification?

When liquid electrolyte or acid stratifies, the heavier charged ions actually sink to the bottom of the cell, leaving discharged acid at the top. This allows the top of the plates to oxidize and corrode reducing performance and shortening life. The bottoms of the plates also corrode due to the action of the higher strength acid. This can happen in stand alone solar or telecom applications because the battery never moves. Discover Gelled electrolyte batteries use electrolyte mixed to a thick consistency which prevents stratification, as a result equalization is not recommended.

WARNING – DO NOT EQUALIZE CHARGE GEL OR AGM BATTERIES! Equalizing is an “over voltage-over charge” performed on flooded lead acid batteries after they have been fully charged. It helps to eliminate stratification and sulfation, two of many conditions that can reduce the overall performance and life of a flooded battery. Balance charge modes are included in all NEXEN Discover™ Industrial Commercial charges offered for sale wherever our Discover™ VRLA products are sold. Balance Charging is similar to an equalize charge cycle but is performed at a lower voltage. Battery Council International BCIS-04 Rev. Draft Dec02 3.8.2 states that for Flooded batteries “An equalizing charge is allowed in conjunction with constant voltage charging to promote electrolyte mixing and to insure complete recharge. The equalizing charge must not exceed 3 hours and should be used cautiously to avoid excessive overcharge. For VRLA batteries, no equalizing charge should be used unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer.”