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Follow These Five Steps to Buying the Right One:
Most battery chargers will charge a variety of batteries. But with so many different Battery chargers on the market, how do you pick the right one?
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1. What types of batteries do you use?
All battery chargers can recharge the conventional and maintenance-free batteries typically used in cars, light trucks, RVs, motorcycles, lawn tractors, and so on. These batteries deliver a large amount of current (amps) for a few minutes to an engine's starting motor. Deeply discharging these batteries more than a couple of times can cause permanent damage to them. Deep cycle, or "marine/RV" batteries are different. They deliver a steady, small amount of current over a long period, for jobs such as powering a trolling motor or equipment aboard an RV. Deep cycle batteries are designed to be fully discharged, then fully recharged again and again.
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That's why we put together this handy buyer's guide - to help you select the best value for your particular charging application.
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2. What's the battery's voltage?
Automotive batteries are usually 12-volt. Some smaller lawn equipment and motorcycles use 6-volt batteries. Large trucks, some boats, wheelchairs, and other equipment use 24-volt batteries. Most chargers work on both 6 & 12 volt batteries, and one of our professional units charges 24 volt batteries.
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First, consider what types of batteries you use, how they're used, and how often they need charging.
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3. Need a jump start?
Some battery chargers have the ability to output the high amperage current needed to help start your car. Benchtop starter/chargers provide an additional "boost" to the car battery's output. (Which is why we recommend charging the battery before trying to start the car.) The more starting amps the charger provides, the less power the battery will have to provide to start the car. Most professional starter/chargers supply enough amps to start most cars and light trucks without pre-charging the battery.
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Answering the questions on this page will guide you. Then, match your needs to the features and specifications of our chargers.
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4. How quickly do you need to charge your battery?
A charger with a high-amps rating will charge a battery faster than a low-amps model. A high charge rate of 10 or 15 amps will recharge an average car battery in less than four hours. A low charge rate of 2 or 1 amps is ideal for charging motorcycle and lawn mower batteries. A low 1-amp rate is also good for warming the battery of a vehicle prior to starting it on a cold morning. |
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Most battery chargers come in two types: Portable "benchtop" chargers are ideal for most household, boating, and small equipment uses.
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5. Automatic or manual?
The easiest way to recharge a battery is with the automatic technology featured on some battery chargers. These units automatically shut off when the battery is fully charged. Most automatic models also feature Charge Complete lights and Reverse Connection warning lights. When operating a manual charger, watch the charge level meter (ammeter) carefully to determine when the battery is fully charged. Overcharging can damage the battery with excess heat and gassing. |
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The larger, professional or "wheel" chargers are designed for auto shops, farms and ranches, maintenance departments, and advanced auto hobbyists. |
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