![]() ![]() This means that as the excess electricity passes through the electrolyte solution, it causes the hydrogen and oxygen molecules within the battery acid to break down, evaporate, the battery to heat up, and sulfation to occur on the lead plates inside the battery.Įssentially, electricity that is pumped into a battery when it can no longer accept it will destroy the water molecules in the battery acid. The excess electricity is dealt with through a process called hydrolysis. As the battery approaches its full charge, it cannot accept as much electricity because it is running out of capacity to store it.Ĭramming too much electricity (amps, in the case of a charger) will result in the battery converting as much as it can into storable energy, but the rest has to go somewhere. When a battery is very low on charge, say 40%, it can accept a higher amp charge and readily convert the electrical energy into potential chemical energy (that can then be released as electricity when a circuit is completed). As the electricity passes through this solution, a chemical reaction occurs, the chemical structure changes, and potential energy is stored. The electricity passes between the positive and negative terminals of the battery, by the plates, and through an electrolyte solution (the battery acid). Without getting too complicated, a battery receives electricity from a charger. The reason that a trickle charger can damage a battery if hooked-up for a long time can be explained by what happens when a battery charges. Trickle chargers that are on the cheap end of the spectrum can even destroy batteries overnight if left connected.Īlso keep in mind that even though a true “trickle charger” is different than a float charger, the majority of people use the term “trickle charger” to denote any charger that you can leave connected to a battery indefinitely. However, if you’re dealing with a lead-acid battery (sealed, or otherwise) like in your car, motorcycle, golf-cart, lawnmower, boat, or battery bank, you’re at very high risk of damaging your batteries in the long-term if you leave them hooked up to a trickle charger. If you had a lithium-ion battery (like on a cell phone), this wouldn’t be a problem. Even though the battery is 100%, the trickle charger will continue to try to pack more energy into it. I’ll get to the reasons below why this float charger is the way to go, but if you’re just in a hurry I highly recommend giving it some consideration.īelow is a video I made going over the differences between the different chargers.Ī trickle charger will never stop sending a battery a low emission of electrical current. I’ve been using it every day on my battery bank and to condition my car batteries for over 6 years and I trust it 100%. If you’re just wondering what’s the best charger for the money in the “float/trickle” category, I always turn to this charger and float maintainer seen on Amazon. While both can effectively charge and top off your battery if used correctly, there are a few precautions you’ll want to take before hooking these up to your car or other battery and simply setting it and forgetting it. Don’t be fooled, however, as these chargers are not created equal and one can really damage your batteries if used improperly! ![]() ![]() That is the quick and easy answer, and it may seem like it doesn’t matter which one you choose. Float Charger (Maintainer) Trickle Charger Float Charger (Maintainer) Will charge a battery to 100% Will charge a battery to 100% Will overcharge a battery after it reaches 100% Only outputs current as the battery naturally self-discharges and can accept a current Will kill a battery if left connected to a battery long-term Safe to hook up and use indefinitely
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