Thursday, Dec 20, 2012 at 16:37
This is what they state: ”It is a switchmode type three stage charger that provides a true 20A continuous charge to a 12V battery. The unit automatically selects between bulk, absorption and float charge modes, with LEDs to indicate mode. Works for either gel cell or wet cell lead acid batteries”.
No mention of an AGM – but I wouldn’t float long term on gel or wet cell at their voltages.
It will take the battery through the three stages but from my investigations it floats at about 14.4 volts. It does this by tapering off the current as the internal resistance of the battery rises. It is debatable whether their description is inaccurate – being an old sparky I prefer my description.
With equipment for Asia you have to be aware of inadequacies in their translation – some of it is virtually indecipherable.
I have three of these chargers and they are
well built, as far as I can tell – I’ve work them very hard as fast chargers. I use them in tandem as I need a 100amp fast charger. I wouldn’t float a battery with them more than a couple of hours because of their high float voltage. They are ideal for the job that I brought them for.
As for his unit blowing fuses, it could be either:
A manufacturing fault, I had a top quality Xantrex blow up once, had it fixed – it still going and never missed a beat in the 5 years since.
Damage by the operator or in transit.
I brought a lot of small stuff from china (under $500). I research the product as best I can, then I take a punt. 99% of the time I’ve got what I wanted and overall I am way in front.
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