Introduction; Description; How Batteries Charge; Deeply-Discharged Lead-Calcium Batteries - Pro-Logix SOLAR PL3730 Mode D'emploi

Description

This battery charger is designed to handle the majority of your charging and starting needs. It features:
• Automatic Multi-Phase Charging mode for easy operation.
• The ability to properly charge multiple battery types, including flooded, AGM and Gel Cell.
• Multiple Charge Rates for various battery sizes.
• High-Amperage Boost Mode to help start vehicles when the battery is too weak to do the job alone.
• A digital display that provides a wealth of information during the set-up, operating and completion
phases of the charging or starting processes.
• A manual charge mode with electronic timer to enable specific charging routines.
• Large Saw-Tooth Clamps assure good connection to top or side-mount battery terminals.
• Heavy-Duty Construction for long, trouble-free life.

How Batteries Charge

A battery charger does not force current into a battery – it makes a specific amount of current available to the
battery and the battery draws as much of it as it needs, up to or slightly greater than the rated output current
capability of the charger.
The closer a battery is to zero capacity (dead battery), the more charging current it will want to draw. When
charging begins, on a dead battery, the charger will typically supply current at or very near the nominal chosen
charging rate, and then move to a reduced rate of current as the battery becomes more fully charged. Keep in
mind, a charger's display shows the amount of current being drawn from the charger by the battery, not what the
charger is capable of delivering.
One would expect a battery to draw zero amps when it reaches 100% charge. But at 100% charge, a battery
charged in Manual Mode will continue to draw a low level of current and convert it into heat within the battery.
If left connected and charging after reaching 100% charge, the battery acid will begin to boil, may produce acid
vapor and get hot, resulting in overcharging and possible battery damage.
The Automatic Mode available on PRO-LOGIX Wheel Charger models eliminates this issue and prevents any
damage to the battery due to overcharging. Whenever practical, the operator should choose Automatic Mode
charging to ensure a proper charge and prevent overcharging.
Note: A slow, intermittent bubbling sound may be heard coming from the battery during the charging process. This is
a normal condition and just another indicator the battery is being charged.
To reduce the risk of battery overcharging, it is important to thoroughly read this entire instruction manual.

Deeply-Discharged Lead-Calcium Batteries

Many newer automotive batteries are of a lead-calcium plate design. When deeply discharged, they may require an
activation period before accepting a measurable charge. This activation period may take as long as 4 to 8 hours.
If, at the beginning of the charging process, you notice that the ammeter is at or near zero, but you have
determined that the battery is very discharged (less than 25% of charge), this is a good indication that an activation
period is required (see Pre-Charge Battery Activation).

Spark Prevention

Make sure no sparks or flames occur near the battery, especially during charging. It takes very little to ignite the
explosive gasses produced by a lead-acid battery during the charging process. Read, understand and follow the
safety information provided in the Safety Summary section of this manual before attempting to work with or near a
lead-acid battery.
For more information about batteries and battery charging, contact Battery Council International at
www.batterycouncil.org, and download their Battery Service Manual.

INTRODUCTION

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