Battery Care Simplified

 

One of the most common questions asked by users of powersports batteries is “How long will the battery last”.  When discussing the service life of a powersport battery a number of factors must be considered.  First among them is the type of battery construction.  Next is how the battery is used and stored. The third, and most, important factory is how the battery is charged and maintained.  With an understanding of these factors it is easier to determine what you can do to maximize the battery performance and useful service life. The following is brief outline to aid in maximizing the service life of a powersport battery.

 

Today there are three basic types of battery construction commonly used for powersport batteries. 

A comprehensive discussion of the various battery types would require several pages.  As a result, this discussion is limited to simply identifying the construction styles, and some basic battery characteristics.

Each style has different characteristics and slightly different charging requirements.  Each battery also has performance and maintenance pluses and minuses.

 

First, every lead acid battery has a self discharge rate.  This it the rate at which it loose its charge when left unattended. Discharge rates differ with construction types and materials used in the construction of the battery. Discharge rate is another lengthy topic and is more appropriately combined with a discussion of battery construction styles.

 

Battery Construction  

The three common battery types are the flooded cell, absorbed glass mat (AGM), and gel cell battery. 

  The conventional lead acid, or flooded cell battery.  It is sometimes referred to as a Dry Cell battery.  The Dry Cell designation is derived from the fact battery is delivered without the acid in the battery.  Acid is added to the battery at the time it is put into service.  Flooded cell construction batteries require periodic inspection of fluid levels.  This style battery requires more attention to maintenance details as they tend to dry out over time, and they dry out when being charged at a high amperage rate.  Because it is not a sealed battery this style has a greater potential to leak acid and vent hydrogen gas.  This battery has the fastest self discharge rate.  However, of the three styles it is also the most tolerant to over charging. 

Next is the absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery.  This battery style is also referred to as maintenance free (MF), sealed lead acid (SLA), and valve regulated lead acid (VRLA).  This is a sealed battery and does not require monitoring acid levels, or periodic adding of acid.  AGM batteries typically have a much slower self discharge rate than flooded cell batteries.  This means the AGM battery will store energy or hold a charge for a longer period of time.  As a result they are less likely to sulphate as quickly as the flooded cell style battery. AGM batteries do not have as much instantainious kick as a comparable amp hour rated flooded cell battery, and the AGM battery is less tolorant to over charging than the conventiuonal flooded cell battery.

The third type is a gel cell.  This battery has a slower discharge rate than either the flooded cell or AGM battery.  As a result it has superior energy storage capabilities.  Because of its slower discharge rate it will hold its charge longer, and may be a better chose when used in applications where a lot of accessories are putting demands on the battery, or in personal watercraft (PWC)applications where frequent starting demands are placed on the battery.

 

Battery Storage

A common misconception is “I use my bike every week so the battery is always kept well charged”.  When considering the care of a battery it is important to keep in mind, as a rule, it takes about 20 to 30 minutes of motor run time, at mid to high range RPMs, just to replace the energy drawn out of the battery to start the motor.  Short trips typically will not offer enough motor run time for the vehicles charging system to replace the energy used for starting the motor, much less replacement of the energy lost as a function of the battery’s natural self discharge rate.  As a consequences frequent short trips may result is less stored voltage in the battery than the battery would have if not used at all.

 

As a result, one of the keys to optimum battery life and performance is proper battery care.  Paramount is the stored voltage state of the battery.  Ideally, powersport batteries should be stored with a voltage level of 13.1 to 13.4 volts.  A minimum voltage level should be 12.8 volts.  Once the battery voltage drops below 12.8 volts the battery will start to sulphate.  Once a battery has started to sulfate that sulfated portion of the battery can not be recharged.  The net effect is the battery will no longer have the same amount of storage capacity or reserve power as in the presulfated condition.  To protect the battery from potential sulphation it is a good idea to charge the battery with a low amperage (500mah to 800mah), high voltage (13.8v to 14.4v) charger for a few hours once every two to three months.  This is true for batteries in storage, as well as batteries being used on a regular basis.

 

 

Battery Care

A key element to optimal battery care is the use of charging equipment appropriate for the battery size and construction. Amperage output for and charger used to charge any lead acid powersports battery should not exceed 10% of the battery’s rated capacity. As an example, a YTX20L-BS battery is rated at 18 amp hours.  It should be charged at a rate of less than 2 ah.  Charging at a rate in excess of 10% may result in heat build-up in the battery.  This may then result in damage to the battery and premature battery failure.    As a result, when using a 2ah charger the battery should be closely monitored for heat build-up in the battery. The time duration for charging will be a function of the battery’s size and state of charge.  For example, if a 12 ah battery is 50% discharged (12.3v) it will take about 5 to 7 hours to raise the stored voltage level to 12.8v.  This will vary with the charger being used.  Many automotive chargers may not be appropriate for small capacity battery applications.  Just because the charger says it is automatic does not mean it can protect a small capacity powersports battery from overcharging or heat damage at a 2 ah charge rate.  Regardless of the charger used, at the slightest sign of heat at the battery case the charger should be disconnected from the battery.

 

Considerations for a Trickle Charger

Operating functions are an important consideration when purchasing a charger or trickle charger.  Operating functions include charge mode, monitor and maintenance modes.  To achieve optimal battery life the charger, or trickle charger should have power output specifications that are most compatible with the battery construction.  Small capacity powersport batteries respond best when maintained with low amperage high voltage trickle chargers.  Both AGM and gel cell batteries respond well to trickle chargers with output voltage of 13.8 to 14.4 volts, and output amperage of 500 mah to 800 mah. 

 

Many battery trickle chargers currently on the market will not raise the battery’s stored voltage, as the charger measures it, above 12.86 to 12.9 volts.  The problem comes from the fact that due to internal resistance the battery is not charged as much as the charger reads it is.  The chargers effectiveness can be measured and demonstrated by taking voltage readings at three different times. Take the first reading before charging the battery.  Take the second voltage reading after the battery is fully charged and disconnecting the battery from the charger.  The third voltage reading should be taken 24 to 48 hours after disconnecting the battery from the charger, and before connecting the battery to the vehicle.  The later reading is the true stored voltage level for the battery.  For optimal storage life the second reading should never be less than 12.8 volts, and should be above 12.9 volts.  Ideally the reading after 48 hours should be in the range of 13.1 to 13.4 volts. 

 

In addition to charge rates and operational modes, failure mode is an important consideration for battery chargers.  Failure mode means what the charger does when the charger fails to function as designed.  Ideally, a charger should fail in a circuit open state, meaning it will not flow current when the charger fails.  Many chargers fail in a closed circuit state, which means current is flowing through the charger and into the battery at all times.  In a closed circuit state the charger may be unable to control or limit current flow.  This usually results in damage to the battery.

 

When a charger fails in a circuit closed state it is difficult for the end user to identify a malfunction.  A check of the voltage will show current flowing and the user will usually never know when it is not working correctly. This means the manufacturer my offer longer term warranties because some malfunctions are not easily detected and the manufacturer’s warranty return exposure is much lower.  Not so for the end users risk.

 

Many manufacturers give a 3 year, 5 year, or life time warranty on their chargers.  There are some manufacturers of very good quality chargers that offer extended warranties.  However, some inexpensive chargers carry extended length warranties because it is difficult to detect a failure, and extended length warranties make good sales features.

 

 

 

BikeBatts PC007 Trickle Charger

The BikeBatts PC007 trickle charger is a no frills unit designed for function, not eye candy. The object was to keep performance at the optimal level for best battery life, while keeping cost to a minimum.  BikeBatts trickle chargers have a bulk charge rate of 13.8 volts.  Once the battery reaches a charged state voltage output drops, and the battery voltage is maintained between 13.1v and 13.4v.  This is the ideal range for battery integrity and long life.  In addition to the charging modes, the BikeBatts PC007 charger is designed to fail in a circuit open state.  This means it will not flow current, and it will not over charge the battery. However, it also means it will not damage the battery.  As a result the user will know when the PC007 has failed.

 

The PC007 trickle charger has one indicator light that is red when charging, and green when in the battery is fully charged and the charger is operating in the float/maintenance mode.  Some trickle chargers claim to have three or four modes. Those chargers are really doing the same thing as the BikeBatts PC007 trickle charger.

 

The BikeBatts battery trickle charger is packaged with two wiring harnesses.  One wire harness has a set of alligator clips.  The second harness has D-ring connectors.  The D-ring harness can be attached to the battery and be left in place.  The other end of each harness connects to the battery trickle charger.

 

CTEK US800 Charger

Through years of advanced research in battery electronics and electrochemistry, CTEK has developed battery chargers with superior technology that save time, money and aggravation by maximizing battery life and performance. CTEK manufacturees three models.  The .8 amp hour US800 is ideal for most powersports battery applications.  The CTEK US 800 is a high tech charger with a sophisticated processor and an advanced desulphation mode.

Strong multi-tasker that can handle all but the largest vehicles with batteries up  to 100 amp hours.
Three changing models 0.8A@ 14.4V, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , and This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Unique cold temperature mode enables faster re-charging, even in the coldest winter conditions
Charges all types of lead-acid batteries (wet, sealed, AGM)
Ideal uses: All CTEK US 800 applications plus boats, campers, and trucks.
Less charging time than conventional chargers

Povides current pulses to maintain fully charged batteries
No need to disconnect battery from vehicle
Splash proof and weatherproof - Sealed design is approved for outdoor use
Compact, lightweight, and easily portable
Impossible to connect incorrectly
Patented technology protects against sparks, short circuits and reverse polarity
Does not damage sensitive electronics
Recovers or "wakes" a sulfated or under-charged battery