Re: Amp output on battery charger ?
Requesting knowledge - Battery chargers have diff output amps i.e. 5, 10, 15 amps. My ? is what is the diff; faster charging time? if charger is plugged in for say 24 hrs, does it make a diff, are not the btrys getting the same charge as the end result?
I studied batteries, not just Pb, but NiMH, NiCd, Lipo, etc in my previous hobby.
In any case, assuming your charger is a decent one. Meaning it is CC/CV type charger. CC means Constant Current and CV means constant Voltage. This type of charger is designed to charge your battery in at least two phases. During the first phase, or CC (constant current), the charger only regulate current output. This could be 5, 10, 15 Amp, depending on your selection. Battery voltage will begin to increase in this phase. When the battery voltage reachs 14.4v, the charger begin its CV phase (constant voltage). During this phase, the charger is regulating the voltage at 14.4v. In order to accomplish this, charging current is reduce gradually. Depending on charger, some will terminate the charge cycle at 2A, other may take it all the way down to 1A.
Therefore, regardless which mode you selected, the end result will be the same. one side note, charging at high current does stress the battery more, which could possibly reduce its useful life. However, assuming you are using at least 27 size group Pb battery, 15A is not a lot current.
I'm a bit confused with amp output and amp draw..my MK has a 56 amp max draw; meaning drawing current?? Again, just requesting some knowledge; would like to understand this amp output/draw thing better. Thanks All!
Amp draw on a power supply meaning the max current can be drawn from the PS. 15A setting on charger mane the max current will be supply to the pack during charging.
By the way, you don't have to spend $200 for a decent charger. Assuming your don't charge your boat while its in water. A common automotive charger at $60 price range are usually CC/CV type charger.