More powerful = faster ? not always!
Does a charger more powerful in amps charge a battery faster ? Yes and no… Contrary to beliefs, a battery can be damaged when charged with a too high level of amps.
A great big charger?
23.10.2012
What does a BBQ and a battery charger have in common ?
Cooked to the perfection!
You like BBQ, but not burnt meat? Think of a steak on the BBQ left on the grill at maximum heat. What happens ? The exterior becomes black quickly and the interior is not even cooked.
It is the same if a battery is recharged with a too high level of amps, the battery gives the impression that it is ready to be used (the voltage quickly rises to the maximum). However, the interior is not yet ready, the necessary amps as not fully been absorbed in the battery. The charger, detecting that the battery is ready, stops giving its energy to be sure not to overcharge or « burn » the battery. In this way, it is only an surface charge.
A battery in that state will discharge itself more quickly, damage itself and diminish its life span. Moreover, by continuing to charge with a too high amperage level, the acid evaporates and the separators blacken, which will lead to untimely death.
Time heals everything
A slower charge, with less amperage, raises the level of energy absorption of the battery. As a result, the batteries will discharge less quickly and last longer. It is important to select the correct amperage on your automatic charger. Generally, 10% of the ampere/hour (a/h) off the battery that needs to be charge is chosen.