Can you charge a battery while using it?

Submitted: Sunday, Jan 20, 2008 at 23:52

ThreadID: 53731 Views:3215 Replies:4 FollowUps:7

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Member - Mark H (VIC)

Hi all,

Every few days I am charging my camper battery (100amp/hr Gel), either via genny or 240V. I have a Projecta 3 stage charger. While it is charging is it OK to still be using it for the likes of lighting inside the camper? I vaguley remember hearing it's not a good thing to do so but does anyone know the answer? Just in case I have been using a portable 17amp/hr battery for the lights while the main one is charging.

Cheers,

Mark.

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Reply By: Member - Barnesy (SA) - Sunday, Jan 20, 2008 at 23:54

Reply By: Member - Doug T (FNQ) - Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 00:00

Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 00:00

You charge the main car battery while it's being used....???

.

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Follow Up By: Member - Barnesy (SA) - Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 00:03

Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 00:03

The 100 amp/hour gel battery is a deep cycle which would be his second battery. He is asking if he can recharge the deep cycle with his genny whilst still running the lights off of the battery.

FollowupID: 547316

Follow Up By: Member - Mark H (VIC) - Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 00:08

Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 00:08

Yeah good point but my main worry is when it goes into the 'bulk' phase of the charge, I think it would be OK when it's in float mode, which I imagine is similar to the main car battery when driving. Like I said, I can remember someone saying it's not good, can't remember the reason so that's why I'm throwing it to this forum.

Cheers,

Mark.

FollowupID: 547318

Follow Up By: Member - Mark H (VIC) - Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 00:11

Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 00:11

Exactly Barnesy, Doug's response is certainly a good point though.

Cheers,

Mark.

FollowupID: 547319

Follow Up By: fisho64 - Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 00:29

Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 00:29

the only reason why it may have a downside is that while charging, you will receive a higher voltage at your appliance, probably around 14.5 volts.
This wont affect any but the most fragile item on a 12 volt system, but I cant think of any that it might.
Of course you must be charging at a higher rate than you are drawing or it wont be charging anyway.

FollowupID: 547322

Follow Up By: Nav 8 - Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 00:49

Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 00:49

No probs at all, Most 12v electrical appliances can take up to about 16 volts and as has been stated your charge rate is around 14.5. The Amps or current input into the battery is not an issue so yes you can use the battery while it is being charged... Nav.

FollowupID: 547327

Follow Up By: Redeye - Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 07:02

Monday, Jan 21, 2008 at 07:02

A Gel cell should not be charged above 13.5 volts if possible as it will shorten the life of the battery. The charger should be set to Gel and Hot if these options are available.

Yes it is OK to charge the battery when using it. I have my battery on float all the time at home and run the camping fridge as a beer fridge.

Redeye

FollowupID: 547337