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Gel cell and Advanced AGM batteries can
accept a higher rate of charge. Consult the
manufacturer for specifications.
Stage 2 - Acceptance Charge The
acceptance stage immediately follows the bulk
charge stage. During this stage the battery
voltage is held constant at the bulk charge
voltage limit and the current gradually ramps
down. During this stage the battery is accepting
its final amount of charge current and the last
of the sulfate on the plates is removed.
The acceptance stage lasts until the charge
current reaches the transition point. A timer will
terminate the acceptance stage if this current
level is not reached.
BATTERY CHARGING
Maximum acceptance time is one hour for wet
and AGM cells and three hours for gel cells.
Gel cell acceptance time can be longer because
they are less likely to gas. Expect wet cell bat-
teries to gas somewhat during acceptance—this
is a necessary part of the charging process.
Stage 3 - Float Charge When the
acceptance stage is terminated, either
because the charge current ramped down to
the transition point or the timer engaged, the
charge current will shut off. The unit monitors
the battery voltage while it drifts down from the
acceptance charge voltage limit. When it
reaches the float voltage set point, the float
charge stage is engaged.
The float charge stage holds the battery voltage
constant at a preset lower level, where it is
safe for long-term battery maintenance. During
the float charge stage, the full output current of
the battery charger is available to operate any
DC appliances that may be on the system,
while constantly maintaining the float charge
voltage.
The battery charger remains in the float charge
stage indefinitely until the charger is discon-
nected from incoming AC power or turned OFF
on the unit or with the Remote Control Panel.
Stage 4 - Equalizing Charge This is the only
battery charger stage which is not engaged
automatically. It must be manually initiated
each time. Applying an equalizing charge is
possible only with a Remote Control Panel.
Periodic equalizing is recommended by most
wet cell deep-cycle battery manufacturers.
There are no firm rules for how often an equalizing
charge should be applied. Follow the battery
manufacturer’s recommendations for equalizing.
ACCEPTANCE TO FLOAT TRANSITION POINT
15 Ampere DC
FP3000-12