How to Adjust the Current of a Battery Charger?
2 Answers
The method for adjusting the current of a battery charger is as follows: 1. The current should be set to one-tenth of the battery capacity, or alternatively, one-twentieth of the battery capacity; 2. If the charging current is too high, it can easily cause the battery electrolyte to boil, which is harmful to the battery and can affect its lifespan; 3. Generally, it is recommended to charge at one-twentieth of the battery capacity, with a charging time of approximately 24 hours. Factors that affect battery capacity and usage include: 1. Delayed installation and use after the battery leaves the factory, leading to long-term storage, where temperature variations significantly impact the battery's self-discharge; 2. Positive plate corrosion and deformation causing insufficient capacity; 3. Sulfation of the negative plate.
As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, I adjust the charger current based on experience. For regular lead-acid batteries, using 1/10 of the capacity is the safest—for example, a 60Ah battery should be set to 6A, charging overnight is just right. If you're in a hurry, you can increase it to 10A at most, but never exceed 1/4 of the capacity, or the battery plates may bulge. The key is to remember: turn off and disconnect the battery before charging, attach the clamps to the positive terminal first and then the negative, and slowly turn the current knob from the minimum. Now that it's hot, I also reduce the current by another 0.5A to prevent overheating and acid fumes.
