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12
ESTIMATING CHARGE TIME
This charger adjusts the charging time in order to charge the battery completely,
efficiently, and safely. The microprocessor automatically makes all necessary
calculations. However, this section includes guidelines that can be used to estimate
charging time. Charge times listed are typical. Actual times may vary.
The duration of the charging process
depends on each of three factors.
1. Battery state: A battery that has only
been slightly discharged could be
charged in only a few hours. How-
ever, the same battery could take 24
hours to charge if it is very weak.
Battery state can be estimated by
using a voltmeter to measure the
battery voltage or by using a State-
of-Charge Tester. The lower the
reading, the longer the charging
process will take.
2. Battery rating: A higher rated battery
will take much longer to charge than
a lower rated battery under the same
conditions. A battery’s rating may be
indicated in Ampere hours (Ah),
Reserve Capacity (RC), or Cold
Cranking Amps (CCA). The lower the
rating, the quicker the charging will
be completed. For example, a very
small battery might be rated for 6 Ah
and charge in 4 hours, but a very
large battery might be rated for 100
Ah and require 24 hours to charge
completely.
3. Charge rate: The charge rate is
measured in amps. This charger
provides charge rates of 2 Amps and
15 Amps. Note: the 100 Amp rate is
intended for Engine Start only, NOT
continuous charging. A higher
charge rate results in a faster charge.
Note: The 2 Amp rate might be too
low to charge a higher rated battery
within the 24 hour time limit the
charger allows. However, some
smaller batteries, such as motor-
cycle and tractor batteries, have a
maximum recommended charge rate
much less than 15 Amps. Such
batteries should be charged using
the 2 Amp setting.
This charger starts charging at the
selected rate (2 or 15 Amps) and
eventually reduces the charge rate in a
precisely controlled manner. After the
charging process has started, the
Battery Status LEDs can be used to
estimate the charge time as explained
below.
• Red LED: Checking for properly
connected battery, not charging (no
output).
• 1 Amber LED: Battery detected,
charging started, 3 to 10 seconds
from start.
• 2 Amber LEDs: When second light
first glows, charging is roughly at 20%
to 25% complete, 1 to 5 hours from
start.
• 3 Amber LEDs: When third light first
glows, charging is roughly at 35% to
50% complete, 3 to 7 hours from
start. Battery charged enough for use
in vehicle. Note: If charging is
restarted after this point, the charger
may go straight to Maintain Mode
(Green LED).
• 4 Amber LEDs: When fourth light
first glows, one or two hours are left,
battery virtually “good as new”, 4 to
13 hours from start.
• Green LED: Charge complete,
battery at maximum charge state, 5 to
14 hours from start.