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When charging batteries

Before operating the battery charger, make sure to read and understand the instructions that come with the charger. Never attempt to charge a battery without first reviewing and understanding the instructions for the charger being used. Always make sure the chargers charging curve meets the batteries charging requirement.

  1. Always charge batteries in a ventilated area
  2. Always wear protective for your eyes
  3. Never charge a visibly damaged battery
  4. Never charge a frozen battery
  5. Connect the charger leads to the battery; (+) positive lead to the positive (+) terminal of the battery and the (-) negative lead to the negative (-) terminal. If the battery is still in the vehicle connect the negative lead to the engine block to serve as a ground. If the vehicle is positive grounded, connect the positive lead to the engine block. To be absolutely sure, make sure that the battery is completely disconnected from the equipment and hook the charger leads up accordingly
  6. Make sure that the charger lead – both at the charger and the battery side of the leads - connections are tight
  7. If the charger has a battery type selector switch (e.g.Flooded, GEL, or AGM), set it to the proper location
  8. Set the timer if it is available and turn the charger on
  9. If the battery becomes hot or if violent gassing or spewing of electrolyte – in the case of flooded battery types – occurs, reduce the charge rate or temporarily halt the charger. If after you restart the charger and/or reduce the charge rate these events repeat themselves take the battery to a professional to be evaluated
  10. Always turn the charger OFF before removing the leads from the battery to avoid dangerous sparks
General Lead Acid Battery Description
General Lead Acid Battery Applications
General Lead Acid Battery Types
General Lead Acid Battery Chemistry
Discover® Sealed Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries
Discover® Deep Cycle AGM Battery
Discover®700 Series Dry Cell Battery
Discover® EV Traction Dry Cell Battery
Sales Channels for Discover Battery Technologies
Things to question when making a battery buying decision
What to consider when buying a deep cycle battery
Information gathering before buying batteries
Calculating cost to own when purchasing batteries
Safety First
Safety and Productivity
When working with batteries
When handling battery acid
When installing or replacing batteries
When booster cables are used
Danger of exploding batteries
Warning and warning labels
Parallel connections for sophisticated users and installers
Parallel connections for unsophisticated users and installers
When charging batteries
Selecting a charger
General charging information for AGM and GEL batteries
GEL battery charging
AGM battery charging
Equalizing (Flooded batteries only)
Typical self-discharge of VRLA batteries at different temperatures
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