How to Charge a Lead Acid Battery Correctly

Lead batteries require recharging periodically, depending on intensity of use. Those installed in vehicles continuously recharge while the motor is running. However, those in golf carts, mobility scooters, stair lifts etc. require the boost from a battery charger on mains supply. We detail the procedure to charge a lead acid battery correctly from an external source here.

Your Lead Battery Requires the Correct Battery Charger

Using the wrong charger, or at the wrong setting can damage your battery. Obtain advice from a reputable battery charger supplier to ensure you charge a lead acid battery correctly. Remember, you are working with electricity!

There are four methods you could follow. These are constant voltage, constant current, taper current, and two step constant voltage according to Power Sonic. However, we believe the simpler constant voltage-current limiting method is adequate.

The correct constant charging voltage depends on your application. If you are not in a rush, set the charger to 2.3 volts DC per cell. However, if you need a fast charge, increase this to 2.45 volts DC per cell. Do not exceed this rate.

What Happens When You Charge a Lead Acid Battery Correctly?

The battery progressively accepts less current as it tops up. It is on full charge when it is unable to absorb any more energy. There are two ways to independently confirm this is the case. Namely the peak charging voltage, and the final current level.

Next, there are two charging modes to consider. A critical security system, or uninterruptible power supply charges best on a continuous basis. However, a portable item like a golf cart or wheelchair can recharge intermittently when the reserve has fallen sufficiently.

Applying too high a voltage can cause a lead acid battery to degrade. If the error is sufficient, the battery may heat up and suffer terminal damage. Too low a voltage on the other hand has the opposite effect. The battery does not recharge fully, and in the long term this reduces its storage capacity.