Charging leisure battery

Discussion in 'Mech Tech' started by 79westy, Jan 18, 2020.

  1. I've charged my main battery ok but the charger says 'fault' when I connect to the leisure battery. Does this really mean a problem, or is there something different about leisure batteries?
     
  2. Baysearcher

    Baysearcher [secret moderator]

    + and - are often round the other way on leisure batteries...
     
  3. Is the leisure battery totally flat? Check the voltage with a multimeter. If it’s very discharged it will have a high internal resistance so will be reluctant to accept initial charge. What type of charger are you using?
     
  4. Yes it's about as low as it can get.

    My chargers aren't exactly top of the range as you can see, the first one is the one I've been using, the second is an Aldi special..

    20200118_200829.jpg 20200118_201226.jpg
     
  5. I would use the first one. Turn the amps knob up to full output and check it after an hour. If is showing a charge rate on the ammeter you can drop the amps knob down a bit. It’s about forcing some charge into the cells to overcome the resistance. The first one is not a smart charger so don’t leave it charging for more than 12-24 hours.
     
    Poptop2 likes this.
  6. mikedjames

    mikedjames Supporter

    If your flat battery is left for any length of time while considering options , its probably dead. A flat battery develops hard insulating sulphate on the plates..
    Try the first charger .
    Buy a split charger kit, either a relay with fuses or better still a VSR electronic switch between the batteries. Fit a proper leisure charger like a Ctek as some of the car battery 'smart' chargers time out after 24 hours.
    Some chargers also have battery recondion modes where they apply high voltage AC to create fast expanding gas bubbles that blow the sulphate off.. but that was lead that your battery needed to store charge so the battery wil forever have lower capacity and the space below the plates will fill up.. and maybe cause a short..
     
    paul2590 likes this.

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