Charging Lead Acid Batteries

[darryn]

Hi All.

I have a 12V 7aH lead acid battery that I will be using as a power source for my charger.
At what rate (number of amps) should I charge this battery, taking into account that I would like this battery to last in the long term?
Am I right in saying that this battery can be charged with any charger that can charge Pb batteries. (etc. swallow)?

TIA

Darryn

[Pinecone]

Actually you should make sure that the charger is designed for gel batteries (assuming that is what you have).

I really like Battery Tender or Battery Minder products. I use them on a couple of cars that do not get driven often as well as my generator. Even after a year they spin right up.

Microprocessor controlled to properly charge the battery then maintain that charge. Just hook up between sessions and leave on.

[spork]

Also, I think you want to be careful not to draw the gel cells down too far. I don't think they survive deep cycles terribly well.

[Pinecone]

Depends on the battery.

I have a Prevailer that is a gel deep cycle battery from my sail boat.

Not sure about the little ones used in hobby applications, but they are similar to ones used in emergency lights and UPS systems, which are deep cycle applications.