CTEK Multi xs 3600

[trevor123]

We brought one of those battery chargers at the weekend, looking at the info, on the front of the charger is got a mode button, if I want to charge up my van battery, it got 3 thing on the front a motor bike then car and the next one like a fan, do I use the car or fan button? the other thing if I charge up my car battery do I have to removed the clip that all ready on the battery, or can I clip the CTEK straight on the battery as with other wired on the battery clips, Hope you can help

Thanks Trevor

 

[Parksy]

Hi Trevor

To charge the caravan battery connect the leads and switch on then press the mode button repeatedly until the car symbol light is on. That's the one for the caravan.

I'm not sure whether you can charge the car battery with it still connected to the car because I haven't yet used my CTEK on the car.

I've always disconnected the car battey in the past in order to protect the alternator.

 

[JTQ]

The icon that you describe as a "fan" is a snowflake for use when temperature are below 0 degrees C.

It alters the charge voltage from the normal car voltage of 14.4 volts to 14.7 volts.

As well as for low temperature charging of normal batteries its also needed at normal ambients for various battery types. Such as AGM and so called cadmium batteries. You need to consult your battery data leaflet or the makers website to know if you use this setting.

You are safe using the "Car" setting but might not fully charge these other types of battery. If you have a GEL battery almost certainly you should not use the frost setting at any time.

I would disconnect the feed to the van as its easy to do and to be on the safe side as the 14.4v "might" just harm some sensitive items. However when charging the car where the kit has to take similar voltages from the alternator, I dont bother.

 

[gary]

Connect mine straight on to the battery left in place on the caravan, the vans chargers is protected by diodes so voltage cannot flow backward, I'd very much expect the same with an alternator.

The last symbol is in fact a snow flake! it's there then for charging 12v batteries in cold weather, I also believe the extra voltage on this setting is useful for recovering 'very' flat batteries.

Least that's as I understand that setting from the instructions provided with the

 

[trevor123]

Many Thanks Guys for your reply, have heard that the new charger is lots better than the old box type I got in the garage,

Once again Thanks. Trevor