Charging Batteries

[Muck Spreader]

I've always loosened the plugs on a battery were possible when charging (and even removed the clamps if its still in the machine). But reading various web pages about this many 'experts' now suggest this is bad practice, especially with modern batteries and smart chargers. Do I need to change my ways.

 

[Courier]

If a battery is getting to the stage that it needs regular charging perhaps it's getting close to replacement time ....Really don't think there is any need to loosen the stoppers on a modern battery / charger combination unless you are charging at a higher rate than the vehicles own alternator puts out which just after starting the engine is likely to be in the region of 50 amps +.

 

[delilah]

My only advice on this is that if you are in the habit of charging batteries (knowingly past their prime, for electric fences ) have some sort of baffle around them, went into our charge room one morning and a bomb had gone off, plastic casing had hit the wall 10 yards away so hard that it had bounced back through a doorway, acid all over the place, would not have wanted to be in there at the time.

 

[harrow]

I've always loosened the plugs on a battery were possible when charging (and even removed the clamps if its still in the machine). But reading various web pages about this many 'experts' now suggest this is bad practice, especially with modern batteries and smart chargers. Do I need to change my ways.

It won't do any harm removing the tops but smart chargers in my experience are quite gentle.

 

[Muck Spreader]

If a battery is getting to the stage that it needs regular charging perhaps it's getting close to replacement time ....Really don't think there is any need to loosen the stoppers on a modern battery / charger combination unless you are charging at a higher rate than the vehicles own alternator puts out which just after starting the engine is likely to be in the region of 50 amps +.

It's things like the combine and some tractors that are only used occasionally.

 

[manhill]

My only advice on this is that if you are in the habit of charging batteries (knowingly past their prime, for electric fences ) have some sort of baffle around them, went into our charge room one morning and a bomb had gone off, plastic casing had hit the wall 10 yards away so hard that it had bounced back through a doorway, acid all over the place, would not have wanted to be in there at the time.

Aah! The joys of Hydrogen. Millions of mini bombs on the road soon, hope they make them crash - safe.

 

[JCMaloney]

If it`s infrequently used could do worse than a solar trickle charger.
I just clamp it onto the truck terminals on weekends away then run "stuff" off the truck.
Charges phones, detectors etc. without killing the battery.
Only a £25 job of fleabay and operates in grey daylight let alone "sun".