Steca PR3030 and AGM batteries
Submitted: Sunday, Jan 12, 2014 at 11:36
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Chris C22
Hi there,
I have recently purchased the above regulator for my camper and will be purchasing About 200 ah of Century AGM batteries.
The above regulator only has two options re batteries.
Gel batteries are: Boost at 14.4 volts and Float at 14.1
Wet batteries are: Boost at 14.4 and float at 13.9 as
well as an equalisation charge at 14.7 volts for 2 hours every 30 days.
I have always read that AGM batteries should never be placed on equalise but the following century battery data sheet appears to show that this may be ok?
http://www.batteriesdirect.com.au/shop/product/22743/c12-100da.html
I would like to know which setting would best suit.
Keeping in mind that the gel setting at float is .3 volts higher than Century recommend.
Is this an issue?
Which way should I go?
Thanks
Chris.
Reply By: The Bantam - Sunday, Jan 12, 2014 at 12:02
Sunday, Jan 12, 2014 at 12:02
even without looking for the Century tech documents direct, looking at the spec sheet you link.
It specifies a float charge at 13.6 to 13.8 volts.
and
Equalisation or cycle service at 14.6 to 14.8 volts
with the controler you have your only reasonable option is the wet battery selection.
Don't beleieve everything you hear about AGM batteries, there is such a variation, you can only rely on the manufacturers documentation.
From memory Century have a document on use and management of their sealed lead acid products that includes AGM.
cheers
AnswerID:
524347
Follow Up By: The Bantam - Sunday, Jan 12, 2014 at 12:06
Sunday, Jan 12, 2014 at 12:06
Interesting....and for others reading.
The issue with temperature and AGM has been raised.....note that the spec sheet says...." warranty void is mounted under bonnet".
cheers
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805948
Reply By: Chris C22 - Monday, Jan 13, 2014 at 08:08
Monday, Jan 13, 2014 at 08:08
hi Bantam,
thanks for your information.
I am concerned about the monthly equalisation of 4.7 volts for 2 hours.
Do you think this may seriousley reduce the agm battery life?
thanks
Chris
AnswerID:
524420
Reply By: Member - wicket - Tuesday, Jan 14, 2014 at 11:41
Tuesday, Jan 14, 2014 at 11:41
Chris
I have a Steca Pr1515 and I think you must be reading the manual incorrectly as the Steca (any model ) does not have an equalisation charge in Gel/\AGM mode only liquid/flooded mode.
Look at page 14 of the manual and you will see it does not apply to the gel/agm column
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524502
Follow Up By: Chris C22 - Tuesday, Jan 14, 2014 at 11:50
Tuesday, Jan 14, 2014 at 11:50
Hi Wicket,
thanks for your
feedback.
How long have you had your steca for and what type of batteries are you charging?
My main concern was that the float voltage on the wet setting at 13.9 volts seemed to be more suited to my century agm batteries as opposed to the gel setting of 14.1 volts. The only draw back or concern for me is the equalization charge on the wet cycle of 14.7 volts for 2 hours every month?
Not sure if this would damage my agm batteries?
What are your thoughts?
Thanks
Chris.
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Follow Up By: Member - wicket - Tuesday, Jan 14, 2014 at 12:39
Tuesday, Jan 14, 2014 at 12:39
I have had the Steca or several years but only use it for flooded batteries.
I don't pretend to be any sort of an expert when it come to charging different battery types but I would be wary of setting your AGM to flooded charge beacause as you mention agm's shouldn't be equalised.
Why not give the battery manufacturer a call and see if there's any charging leeway?
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806130