Thread: Basic 12v Battery Charger - Confused

Make sure you choose one that will handle a completely discharged battery. Most modern ones won't.

A three stage charger should do the job for you. It will charge and then step down to get a fuller charge by slowly pushing in the last 20% or so. Then it will go into float mode and regularly wake up to check if the battery needs more charging. This process keeps batteries healthier and reduces sulphur buildup on the plates. Maybe $100-150 and worth every cent.

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Get a smart charger,the olde fashioned ones will destroy a battery if left charging too long.
Anything CTek branded is very good,the price varies with the output.
SO,if you aren't in hurry to charge,the low amp ones are perfect,just don't expect them to charge a big battery fast.
I have a 25amp Ctek,really happy with it.
For trickle charging the small ones are perfect.
Its the olde story,you pay for what you get.A Ctek will last.
Andrew

Originally Posted by Fifth Columnist

Make sure you choose one that will handle a completely discharged battery. Most modern ones won't.

The trick here is to connect a good battery to the flat battery via jumper leads,thus charging both at once.Just keep a close eye on them as the dead flat one may have issues with damaged plates that can cause problems.
Andrew

X2 ctek chargers they seem to do a good job with my batteries for last two years that I have had it
Cheers

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Hi Dark, any three stage charger is fine.

Then the size, or charge current capacity is the next decision?

If you need something to charge batteries in a hurry, the go for something around 25 amps.

But if it is just for charging and maintaining a battery, or number of batteries while a vehicle is not in use, the get something small ( low charge current ).

Batteries do not like being charged with high currents, but when on the road, we have little choice but to charge with high currents because of the short drive times available.

Whereas, when charging off mains power, we usually have plenty of time available, so a small, low current charge is better, both price wise and for the benefit of your batteries.

The charge does not need to have ?Battery Type? selection. An ordinary standard charge cycle means you only need one charge setting for all types of lead acid batteries and it will charge them all to a fully charged state, even when you have a mix of different types of batteries being charged in parallel.

NOTE, a number of battery manufacturers are now stating the same thing, where practical, charge their batteries with low current chargers.

I've got a Ctek 7 amp and very satisfied with it.

Co$tly back then, but worth every cent in (charger's) long life and the job it does....
Having said that, when it was "on holidays" at a friend's place... I bought an evilBay 3 stage / hi current cheapy which saves time in bringing a flattish battery up to where the Ctek can take over - without working up a sweat.

Now the Ctek stays at home - and the other one can go and 'socialise'.

My local Battery supply shop told me that one manufacturer insists (warranty conditions) on their new batteries be charged with a Ctek before fitting in a client's vehicle.
- They must know something about their own products.

Originally Posted by superquag

My local Battery supply shop told me that one manufacturer insists (warranty conditions) on their new batteries be charged with a Ctek before fitting in a client's vehicle.
- They must know something about their own products.

This is called Scotch mist.

There are far better chargers than Cteks and cheaper chargers that do the same job.

Your local battery supplier was taken for a ride.