We offer industrial quality battery chargers which are microprocessor controlled, so called "smart" chargers, utilizing multi stage charging, which provides efficient charging.
The IOTA (w/IQ4), Quick Charge, Samlex, Schauer, Soneil and Universal chargers are 3 stage units, providing up to the battery charger maximum output amperage(constant current), and monitoring of the charge voltage as it rises to the absorption set point. The charger then maintains the absorption voltage (constant voltage) until the battery is fully charged (second stage). At this point, the charger drops the output voltage to the 3rd, or "float" stage, which is safe for long term battery maintenance.
The float stage in a microprocessor controlled battery charger is an excellent application of new technology in this computer age. Older battery trickle chargers usually maintained a current level that was too high for long term maintenance, and overcharged batteries, thus requiring constant monitoring. The new chargers can be left connected for indeterminant periods, and the microprocessor only applies enough current (at the float voltage) to compensate for internal discharge.
This internal discharge (self-discharge) is a common characteristic of lead acid batteries, but varies with battery type. The wet, or flooded lead acid batteries are constructed of a lead-antimony alloy, to provide structural strength to the battery. This lead-antimony alloy construction leads to internal discharge rates of 8% to 40% per month in a wet lead acid battery. The sealed lead acid (SLA) types, Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) and Gel, use a lead-calcium alloy, which is not of the same mechanical strength as the lead-antimony, since the construction (mats between the plates in the AGM battery, gelled electrolyte in the gel cell) stabilizes the battery structure. The lead-calcium batteries have a lower internal discharge rate, between 2% and 10% per month. This internal discharge leads to suphation of the battery plates, which can harden and either reduce battery capacity, or destroy its ability to be recharged. A significant percentage of lead acid battery failure is from sulphation. Proper battery charging and use of floating chargers eliminates the sulphation problem.
The Samlex battery chargers like the SEC1215, SEC1230, SEC1245, and SEC2415 are dip switch settable to deactivate the boost mode to function as a power supply at the float voltage, for backup power systems (UPS) for example, or power supply applications up to their rated output amperage. The Samlex chargers are also dip switch settable for true gel batteries ( gel cell ), and are user selectable for 115 VAC or 230 VAC input.
The Dual Pro marine battery chargers are 12 volt independent output, 4, 6, 10, and 15 amp, temperature compensating battery chargers. They are a waterproof charger, and fully potted for vibration resistance. They are available as portable units, with a handle and alligator clips, and are suitable for harsh chemical or saltwater environments. They are robust and durable chargers, which can be mounted and hard wired in a severe duty application for years of trouble free service. They are also built in the USA, which is not particularly common for electronic items any more.
The Dual Pro marine battery charger is appropriate for applications where an exterior grade battery charger is required or desired. They have mounting flanges, and will endure water, vibration, and temperature. They are used in marine applications, like boats with batteries for starting or trolling. The Dual Pro chargers go to a float mode when done charging.
Check out our selection of battery chargers from Japlar-Schauer, Quick Charge, Samlex America, Universal, and Dual Pro. At ChargingChargers.com, we select our battery chargers for reliability, design and function, warranty, and value. We can help with selection or advice by email (info@chargingchargers.com) or our tech line: (541) 582-4629. We deal with case pricing for quantity users.
For more information, see our battery charging tutorial.
ChargingChargers.com stocks commercial quality battery chargers for marine, RV, automotive, electronic/security, industrial, and military applications. The cost of these units over department store type units is made up in efficiency and proper battery charging profiles, which translates into maximum battery life, and long term reliability. Most of these units are rated for 100% duty cycle, which means they can function at full amp load for extended periods.