charging with an Optimate?

[dento29]

Hi all, i have a new 120ah sealed battery and want to make sure it's always chargered..
does anyone know if i can use an Optimate charger for this battery size?
..i had the charger for my motorbikes battery.
i have heard that running a small light on it until it dims then chargeing is the best way keep the battery when not in use on the boat..is this right??


Many thanks

 

[sarabande]

I've got a couple of them (one Datatool labelled, and one Optimate). They say the output is 1.2 amp at nominal 12v.

I guess that in "maintain" mode, this will be less.

Perhaps charging a 120 aHr battery from a discharged state will cause the charger to run a little hot ? I'd rather use a bigger charger with some intelligent functions. An Optimate would be working outside its design parameters, as bike batteries are - say - about 60 aHr.

BTW, they are designed to be used with lead-acid batteries only.

 

[William_H]

Yes a small battery will keep even a large battery maintained. If the battery is very discharged it will take a long time to recharge but providing the charger doesn't overheat it should be fine.
Puting a small lamp across the battery until it goes dim is I imagine aluding to a discharge and recharge cycle. I think once this was a recommended procedure but is now thought to be detrimental to battery life. So just keep the battery charged and that will be the best treatment for the battery. olewill

 

[James_Hortop]

The lamp across the terminals thing will only excessively discharge the battery.

Not sure about the optimate but the best method of keeping batteries is to keep them as cool as possible. If the charger has a proper float mode leave it connected, otherwise, charge for an hour or two each month

James