3.0 OPERATION
51
©2000 Xantrex Technology Inc.
Charger Mode (continued)
Equalize Charging
Equalize charging is a special mode of battery charging. During use, the batterys cells can
become unequal in the voltage and current they can deliver. This is due to a buildup of sulfate on
the plates as well as stratified electrolyte. Sulfate prevents the cells from receiving or delivering full
power. If the sulfate is left on the plates, it will harden, and permanently reduce the batterys
capacity. Stratification separates the heaver acid from the water, and the concentrated acid remains
at the lower portion of the plates, eventually corroding them.
Equalize charging holds the battery at the Equalize voltage for a minimum of 6 hours. This stirs
up the electrolyte, distributing the acid, and removing the sulfate from the plates. Equalizing the
batteries every month or two (depending on usage) prolongs the life of the batteries and provides
better battery performance.
CAUTION: ONLY UNSEALED OR VENTED BATTERIES SHOULD BE EQUALIZE CHARGED.
SINCE HYDROGEN AND OXYGEN GASES ARE PRODUCED WHEN EQUALIZED, PROVIDE
ADEQUATE VENTILATION AND REMOVE ALL SOURCES OF IGNITION TO PREVENT
EXPLOSION. REMOVE DC LOADS WHILE EQUALIZING AS THEY CAN BE DAMAGED BY THE
HIGHER BATTERY VOLTAGE.
Consult the battery manufacturers recommendation for equalize charging settings.
Setting the Equalize Charge
Remove all DC loads connected to the batteries.
Remove all battery vent caps.
Check the battery water level, it should be just over the top of the plates (do not overfill). Use
only distilled water for filling batteries.
NOTE: Recheck the water the level during equalize charging and refill if necessary.
Set the BATTERY TYPE SELECTOR switch to position 0 or 1 to start the equalization
charging process. A solid orange BATTERY CHARGER LED indicates equalize charge.
Position 0 equalizes the batteries at the rate of the battery bank capacity divided by 40
(C/40) at a voltage of 15 volts for 12 volt systems or 30 volts for 24 volt systems. This is
set with the BATTERY CAPACITY potentiometer.
Position 1 equalizes the batteries at the rate set with the BATTERY CHARGER RATE
CONTROL at a voltage of 15.5 volts for 12 volt systems or 31 volts for 24 volt systems.
When the voltage condition is met and 6 hours have elapsed, the charger will switch to the float
mode. If the condition is not met (i.e., the current draw is above the rate set with the BATTERY
CAPACITY potentiometer (position 0) or BATTERY CHARGER RATE potentiometer (position 1)),
the charger will continue until the condition is met, or for a maximum of 12 hours. At this point the
charger switches to float at the equalize 1 or 2 voltage setting (see table on the next page).
Reset the BATTERY TYPE SELECTOR potentiometer to the appropriate setting for the
systems batteries when the Equalize charge has completed.
NOTE: Refer to the Battery section of the Appendix for additional battery maintenance information.
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