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Posted by Ben (76.14.17.32) on 19:08:54 12/30/09
In Reply to: Re: Optima Batteries service life posted by Marty
Marty you got my curiosity and looked it up.
Here is the Optima site and charging instructions:
Optima charging info page
Do I need a special charger for my OPTIMA?
Under normal vehicle starting applications, most regular automatic lead acid battery chargers will
properly charge an OPTIMA. However, since OPTIMA batteries are frequently used in high-performance
applications or non-standard vehicle starting applications, there are certain instances that
must be given special considerations.
An OPTIMA battery is an AGM battery, not a "gel" battery or regular flooded acid battery. A deeply
discharged OPTIMA battery (less than 10.5V) will not test or recharge properly if treated as a
regular flooded battery or gel battery. A handheld electronic battery tester will most
likely provide inaccurate test results.
An OPTIMA battery has the benefit of very low internal resistance, which allows high amperage
output as well as efficient charge acceptance. This benefit also allows an OPTIMA battery to run
longer than its specified ratings and run to a lower voltage than typical flooded batteries. All
of this can lead to confusion when it comes to recharging a deeply discharged OPTIMA. Most basic
battery chargers have a built-in function to prevent charging a battery with less than 10.5
volts. If your OPTIMA is discharged below that, the battery charger may not start up.
Most high-quality, modern battery chargers now have built-in features to charge AGM batteries
like OPTIMA. Some have specific AGM settings which should be used to charge an OPTIMA. Do not
use gel or gel/AGM settings, as they will not fully charge an OPTIMA and could damage it over
time. However, even some AGM compatible chargers will not recharge deeply discharged (less than
10.5 volts) OPTIMA batteries. It may be necessary to follow the instructions provided in section #3.
For regular charging we recommend a maximum of 10 amps, 13.8-15.0V. For float charging, we
recommend one amp maximum, 13.2-13.8V.
Under normal (engine starting) conditions, an OPTIMA battery should never experience at rest
voltages below 10.5 volts. In these applications, most 12 volt chargers (old or newer) or
alternators will sufficiently recharge an OPTIMA with at least 10.5 volts. Typically we only see
issues with charging when it relates to stand-alone deep cycling applications or severely
discharged OPTIMA s.
How do I charge a deeply discharged battery?
If an OPTIMA is deeply discharged (below 10.5 volts) most basic chargers will not supply a
charge. Also keep in mind an OPTIMA will not recharge properly if treated as a regular flooded
or gel battery. To charge the battery, you can wire a second fully charged automotive battery
(12+V) to the discharged AGM in parallel (+ to + and to ). Then hook up the charger to either
battery, setting the charger at 10 amps. Leave for two hours, monitoring frequently. During this
process if the discharged battery gets very hot or if it is venting (hissing sound from vents)
then stop this process immediately. When the discharged battery reaches 10.5 volts or more,
remove the standard battery and continue charging the AGM until fully charged.
For normal charging a relatively low current, such as one or two amps can work well, but when
the battery has been deeply discharged, some sulfation of the battery plates may have
occurred. If you charge at 10 amps, the higher current will help to break up this sulfation.
If you have an automatic charger, let it run until the charger indicates charging is complete.
If you have a manual charger, you can get a rough estimate of the charging time in hours of a
completely discharged battery (11.2V) by multiplying the capacity (amp hours or Ah) of the
battery by 1.2. If your battery is not completely discharged the time would be less.
In most cases these steps will recover the AGM battery. It s okay for the AGM battery to get
slightly warm during the charging process. If it s hot to the touch it means there s a short
and the process should be discontinued.
Can you trickle charge an OPTIMA? And what type of charger can I use?
Yes and you can use any charger on an OPTIMA as long as the voltage is regulated properly. If
your charger will remain on indefinitely, the voltage should be at 13.8 volts maximum with a
one amp maximum current.
Will my high-output alternator damage the OPTIMA?
No, as long as the voltage is properly regulated. Because the OPTIMA has a very low internal
resistance it will accept high current more efficiently than conventional batteries.
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