| 1. What is the true output current of the Chargetek products? How much charging current will be available for each of my batteries?
This question is asked repeatedly by many people in the market to purchase a charger. There is a lot of confusion and justifiably so based on how chargers are specified and marketed.
As an example, lets discuss the TPRO-320. It is a three-output charger with all outputs completely isolated. It is specified as a 20Amp charger. All outputs are sensed using microcomputer control to determine the state of charge of each battery. If, for example, one battery is deeply discharged and the other two are nearly charged to full capacity, then the TPRO-320 will provide the full 20A of charging current to the deeply discharged battery. This on board intelligence and ability to provide full charging current to any output differentiates the TPRO-320 from other competitive unit.
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2. What is a battery charge cycle?
A battery charge cycle describes how a battery charger returns the capacity to the battery. Different battery chemistries, such as lead acid, Ni-Cad, etc. require different methods of charging. The CT 500 and CT2000 has a three state charge cycle which most lead acid battery manufacturers recommend as the best and most efficient way to return full capacity. Please refer to the figure below.
Region I: Constant Current Charging or Bulk Charge Mode
Assuming the battery is starting in a discharged state, the charger is operating in constant current mode, where the charger current is maintained at a constant value and the battery voltage is allowed to rise as it is being recharged. Approximately 80% of battery capacity is returned in the constant current region.
Region II: Absorption Mode
When the battery voltage reaches approximately 2.4 volts per cell, or 14.6 volts for a 12V battery, the charger voltage is held constant at this level and the battery current is allowed to reduce. It is this region where the last 20% of battery capacity is returned. This voltage level is maintained until the battery current reduces to approximately C/50 to C/100, where C is the amp-hour rating of the battery. For instance, if it is a 100 amp-hour battery, the voltage should be maintained at 2.5V per cell until the current decreases to 1-2 amps. The exact amount is not usually critical.
Region III: Float Mode
At the point where the current is reduced to C/50 to C/100, the battery charger enters float mode. Float mode is where the voltage on the battery is maintained at approximately 2.25 volts per cell, or 13.5 volts for a 12V battery. This voltage will maintain the full charge condition in the battery without boiling our electrolyte or overcharging the battery.
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3. Will the charger operation or personal safety be affected by water? Just how waterproof is it?
The Chargetek Charger line is completely sealed and waterproof. Our chargers are fully encapsulated to provide a hermetic seal and environmentally rugged package, which protects it from water, dust and other contaminants. There are no loose parts to shake loose or vibrate in high G or high vibration environments. Chargetek chargers will operate while submerged but we do not recommend it because AC cords or battery wires can be cut or damaged over time, accidental splicing can occur, or other damage during the product life which would expose the user to electrical shock.
In addition, chargers that are designed to operate submerged should be tested at extreme depths. Every 33 feet is of water is equal to the same pressure as atmospheric pressure at sea level. This increase in pressure can force water in microscopic cracks where water would not be able to penetrate at sea level.
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4. How are the Chargetek chargers protected from shock and vibration damage?
Extremely high levels of shock and vibration can be produced in marine or industrial applications. Mechanical shock is generated by the sudden decrease in velocity, such as when something is dropped or suddenly impacted. Vibration is repetitive mechanical movement caused by a periodic or aperiodic stimulus. Electronic product failure can result from either one of these occurrences. Our full encapsulation prevents parts of the charger from any movement, which neutralizes the destructive forces of shock and vibration from damaging our products. The charger is essentially one solid piece with no chance for components to move, shake, rattle or loosen.
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5. Aren't all encapsulation or potting materials the same?
Absolutely not! You should ask the manufacturer of any product you are considering buying what type of material is used in their product. Our Chargetek line uses only UL approved flame retardant encapsulation material. UL classifies material according to their flammability. Just because a material has a UL approval does not mean it is flame proof, it simply means that it has been tested to one of UL's flammability classifications. Our material has a 94V-O rating signifying that it is flame retardant. Many materials found in chargers, lighting ballasts and other electronic products have UL approved material with an HB rating signifying they are not flame retardant, but will sustain a flame once ignited.
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