Charging Procedures for Lifeline AGM Batteries
There are a lot of different opinions about battery charging and we hope this will help clear up any confusion that our customers have. AGM batteries are still technically a lead acid battery and they charge very similar to a wet cell. Regardless of what some rumors portray, AGM batteries are not as sensitive as once believed. They often get confused with Gel Batteries, which are very sensitive to voltage and they need a special charger. Lifeline AGM batteries can also be equalized to regain capacity if need be (instructions for equalizing is listed below). We also offer very personal service if you would like to reach us by telephone should you have any further questions regarding our batteries.
Battery Charging:
Charge1 with voltage-regulated (constant potential) charger. The following charging voltages are recommended for maximum battery life.
3 Stage Chargers
| Bulk | 14.2 - 14.4 volts |
| Acceptance | 14.2 - 14.4 volts |
| Float | 13.2 - 13.3 volts |
2 Stage Charger
| Bulk | 14.2 - 14.4 volts |
| Float | 13.2 - 13.3 volts |
Single Stage Charger
| Bulk | 14.2 - 14.4 volts |
| Once the battery is fully charged, remove it from charger. |
Battery Equalizing and Deep Discharge Conditioning
Charge:
Charge with voltage-regulated (Constant voltage) charger.
Charge1 @ 15.5 volts for 8 hours.
1 Avoid overcharging. All batteries must be adequately vented during charging to avoid accumulations of explosive hydrogen gases. Never install or charge in a sealed container or sealed room.
Equalizing should only be done when the battery is showing symptoms of capacity loss or from inadvertent deep discharges. In the event equalization is necessary, make sure to go through the normal charge cycle. Once the battery is fully charged, begin equalizing.
Note: For 24 volt battery banks, simply take the charge voltages as provided above and multiply by 2.
For maximum battery life, a battery must be recharged to 100% capacity. Recharging less than 100% may result in premature battery failure. Lifeline batteries are not covered under warranty if they are not recharged properly. For more information, please refer to our warranty policy.
For Inverter/Charger applications:
Refer to the Inverter/Charger manual to ensure the correct voltages have been set.
Knowing when to recharge:
For maximum battery life in deep cycle applications, do not discharge the battery bank below 50%. Continually discharging the bank 100% will shorten the battery life. The open circuit voltages listed below approximates the various States of Charge (SOC).
| 100% SOC | 12.80 volts or greater |
| 75% SOC | 12.55 volts |
| 50% SOC | 12.20 volts |
| 25% SOC | 11.75 volts |
| 0% SOC | 10.50 volts |
Multiple Batteries:
If there is more than one battery in the battery bank, the following guidelines should be used:
Always use batteries of identical make, model and with the same manufacturing date.
Make sure the battery cable is not undersized for the battery system.
Make sure the battery cables are connected to the terminals correctly. If unsure, professional assistance is recommended
|
|
