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Post by ianali on May 23, 2020 10:57:48 GMT
Have installed my new batteries, 4x125amp. I’ve ended up with sealed lead acid types, wasn’t what I ordered but anyway that’s what they are. My charger should be programmable so I’ve tried reducing the charge voltage from 14.6 down to the recommendation of 14.4. Have never had need to adjust this before, now that I’m trying it doesn’t want to play. So, I’m wondering, as the charger is only used for the odd night that we are in the marina, would it be ok to leave at 14.6? We mainly stay in marina odd nights in winter anyway, so the batteries are colder, so higher voltage needed anyway I think? Charger floats at 13.7. Any thoughts from those that have experience of such things?
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Post by Isambard Kingdom Brunel on May 23, 2020 11:08:51 GMT
I have run calcium sealed LAs at 14.6 or a bit more on a unprogrammable charger and have experienced no problems over 11 years. Only on the second set now.
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Post by Telemachus on May 23, 2020 11:12:20 GMT
Why do you think 14.4v is the correct charging voltage? Was this something that the specific battery manufacturer stated?
In the absence of any specific requirement from the manufacturer I would say that 14.6v is fine. SLA batteries have a lot of calcium content and this serves to increase the voltage at which gassing occurs. So I wouldn’t worry about it, especially as you indicate you won’t be using it that much. And you mention using it mostly in winter and as you say, cold batteries need a higher charge voltage.
13.7v is a little high for long term float voltage (as in leaving it on for weeks and months) but fine for occasional over-night use.
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Post by ianali on May 23, 2020 11:35:33 GMT
Why do you think 14.4v is the correct charging voltage? Was this something that the specific battery manufacturer stated? In the absence of any specific requirement from the manufacturer I would say that 14.6v is fine. SLA batteries have a lot of calcium content and this serves to increase the voltage at which gassing occurs. So I wouldn’t worry about it, especially as you indicate you won’t be using it that much. And you mention using it mostly in winter and as you say, cold batteries need a higher charge voltage. 13.7v is a little high for long term float voltage (as in leaving it on for weeks and months) but fine for occasional over-night use. I thought I’d read 14.4v for sealed. Luckily, I know I know nothing, so I ask here. So leave at 14.6. You raise an interesting point about float voltage. My solar also floats at 13.7v. I need to reduce this then? To what voltage? |
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Post by Isambard Kingdom Brunel on May 23, 2020 11:35:35 GMT
I think the 14.4v comes from gel sealed battery literature recommendations
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Post by bodger on May 23, 2020 13:07:55 GMT
the last pair of SLA that I bought became unsealed as soon as I removed the sticky label and removed the vent plugs.
I don't know if they're all the same but I found a plastic cover strip under the label that could be levered off to access the filling points. |
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Post by Telemachus on May 23, 2020 13:11:49 GMT
Why do you think 14.4v is the correct charging voltage? Was this something that the specific battery manufacturer stated? In the absence of any specific requirement from the manufacturer I would say that 14.6v is fine. SLA batteries have a lot of calcium content and this serves to increase the voltage at which gassing occurs. So I wouldn’t worry about it, especially as you indicate you won’t be using it that much. And you mention using it mostly in winter and as you say, cold batteries need a higher charge voltage. 13.7v is a little high for long term float voltage (as in leaving it on for weeks and months) but fine for occasional over-night use. I thought I’d read 14.4v for sealed. Luckily, I know I know nothing, so I ask here. So leave at 14.6. You raise an interesting point about float voltage. My solar also floats at 13.7v. I need to reduce this then? To what voltage? I float our Trojans at 13.3v. Perhaps this is a little low but the issue is about plate corrosion. Obviously a higher float voltage will keep sulfation at bay, but over a long period it can corrode the positive plate. It is all a compromise but I think 13.5 would be a better compromise. Don't stress too much about it though, it's probably not that important. The default float voltage on my Mastervolt Combi was 13.25v, that did seem too low. |
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Post by Jim on May 23, 2020 13:33:15 GMT
So would it be best to make sure the float on my mppt is set to 13.5? Not sure what it is now, not altered it. It's often goes to float when we are away.
Just read my home solar to submit readings. Highest 3 month reading, lots of sun, clear skies and no pollution. The panels have now paid for themselves, fitted in 2010. Free money, untaxed.
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Post by ianali on Aug 18, 2020 8:08:48 GMT
Twiddling thumbs this morning so an update. The sealed batteries I was gifted are doing fine. Very pleased so far.
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