Battery Types:

Pb-Wet, AGM, Gel Cell and Ca batteries are some of the more popular types used in modern motor vehicles.

Pb Wet cell  and Pb Wet  maintenance free batteries have been around for a long time. These batteries are basically the same, filled with electrolyte and can be charged with most chargers. Care must be taken not to overheat them when charging with a fast charger.

Pb AGM: The Absorbed Glass Matt construction allows the electrolyte to be suspended, in a fibreglass matt which acts like a sponge, in close proximity with the plates active material. This allows the batteries to be constructed with extremely thin separators, this enhances both the discharge and recharge efficiency.

This type of battery should be charged on a SMART CHARGER

Pb GEL: The Gel Cell is similar to the AGM style because the electrolyte is suspended. The electrolyte in a Gel Cell has a silicon compound additive that causes it to set up or stiffen, to prevent any acid leaking out. The recharge voltage on this type of cell is lower than the other styles of lead acid battery and just like the AGM battery; they are both very sensitive to current ripple.

This type of battery should only be charged on a SMART CHARGER and traditional transformer chargers should not be used!!

Pb Ca: Like a Lead acid battery but with calcium incorporated in the plates. This type of battery cannot be charged with a conventional battery charger if the battery is completely discharged, nor will this type of charger fully charge the battery.

This type of battery should only be charged with a smart charger that includes a de-sulphation programme.

Problems related to batteries.

SULPHATING: 80% of all battery failure is related to sulphation build-up. This build up occurs when the sulphur molecules in the electrolyte (battery acid) become so deeply discharged that they begin to coat the battery’s lead plates. Before long the plates become so coated that the battery dies. Sulphation will always occur when a battery is discharged and left in that state for a period; the longer it is left the more the sulphation. Some intelligent SMART CHARGERS can test for sulphation and some can even repair some sulphation damage!!!!

Battery Charging:

SMART CHARGERS using computer technology can perform 3 step regulated charging.

1. Bulk charging where up to 80% of the batteries energy capacity is replaced by the charger at a constant amperage
2. Absorption charge This is where the voltage is held at a constant 14.4 volts and the current (amps) declines until the battery is 98% charged.
3. Float Step. This is a regulated voltage of not more than 13.4 volts and usually less than 1 amp of current. This in time will bring the battery to 100% charged or close to it. The float charge will not boil or heat batteries but will maintain the batteries at 100% readiness and prevent cycling during long term inactivity.

The DECA FL2213D will also automatically test the battery before charging and allow you the option to de-sulphate the battery before charging.