Minn Kota Battery Chargers: All About AGM Battery Chargers

Almost all advanced marine battery chargers and on-board battery chargers today has a dual voltage system capability both for 12 and 24-volt batteries with multiple-current charging system like 30, 15 and 6 amps. They are also complete with a three stage charging system that enables it to charge various types of batteries to its maximum potential. It operates by initially launching a high current followed by a low current and a much lower current when it is just about full. The voltage and current induced by the charger and the timing between changing from each stage is completely different based on the kind of battery you use. For instance if you have a Gel Cell battery you can use the configuration settings for this type of battery through display console.

With the included unique software allows it for a marginally lower charge voltage and higher store voltage to protect delicate true Gel Cell batteries. Using a selector switch, you can toggle between the different types of battery packs including Flooded, Gel and AGM cell electric batteries. Other important features that usually incorporated to a more advanced battery charger is the capability to adjust in any weather condition and ambient temperature, many chargers now include a program that enables you to choose between different temperature presets. Different temperature configurations have an effect on how the chargers work to achieve its maximum performance even in the coldest and hottest part of the year.

An excellent charger should have protection functions built into it aside from the regular circuit breaker and glass fuse that normally provided when you order them and are also common circuit safety equipment in almost all automotive vehicles and large fishing boats. It needs to have a reverse polarity safety circuit to prevent the electric battery and the charger from short circuiting just in case you accidentally miss-wired it.

Some manufacturers even have a fail-safe program that utilizes a timer so that it will automatically turn to maintenance mode when it surpasses the usual time it takes to charge a certain kind of electric battery. This will make certain that it will not get overcharged and ruin the electric battery even if you left it alone. Because you are using it on a boat, you should find one that can resist rust from moisture and salt water. Boats are always subjected to shocks specially when there is a storm or big waves, your device must be shockproof.

Once you purchase a completely new unit it often contains all the things you will need to install and hook up it to the battery pack. It is normally bundled with the standard mounting bracket and the screws to keep it in place. The wire to connect it to the battery pack and the terminals and alligator clamp for temporary connection are also provided. The length of the wires is long enough so you can install the charger close to the battery.

If you want to place it away from the electric batteries, you need to order longer wires. Similar with the input, normally it only have about six feet of cord wire so you have to use an extension cord or if you want you can wire it using a heavy-duty on-board charger inlet so you can just connect it from the outside of the boat. You need to also find one with the suitable size or capacity, you can choose from 30, 15, 10 and 6 amps charger. Purchasing an underrated one will take it more time to charge and sometimes will lead to a breakdown activating the fail-safe protection timer that prevents it from overcharging.

For additional information about the different types of boat battery chargers or marine battery charger you can visit www.boatbatterychargers.net and get the cheapest deals.