leisure battery charger

[Mike_374322144]

I need to get a new charger for external charging, does it need to be a special type for leisure batteries?

 

[Damian]

Mike, one of the multi stage chargers now widely available from places like Halfords will be fine.

You can opt to go the dedicated route and get a CTEK unit, but they cost more to do a very similar job.

 

[JTQ]

Both No and Yes,

However it needs to charge at a moderate rate; so called "Fast Chargers" will damage a leisure battery because the current will be too high, personally I would keep the to not much more that 5% of the batteries Amp Hour rate.

Also cheaper chargers will not have regulation to protect from overcharging so you would need to ensure you take the battery off charge when its finished charging. That raises the question of knowing when it is fully charged; consequently life is much easier for you and the batteryto get a charger with good regulation . I have 2 CTEK Multi XS 3600 chargers which are one of the best moderately priced chargers I know of and they can and ideally should be left connected continuously. It charges at a modest 3.6 amps at up to 14.4 volts ideal for our 85 to 110 AH leisure batteries.

 

[GrahamPonty]

Hi Mike,

I use one of the CTEK chargers/conditioners and would have no hesitation in recommending them.

Have a look here:

http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/Store/Product/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=104
Regards

Graham (Ponty)

 

[Mike_374322144]

Thanks for all your replies, ill take a look at your choices later

MIke