battery volts

[Crosbyman]

Internet says 12.6 is a fully charges Lead acid battery yet my fully charged (meter display) reads 13.4 and Internet says that equates to 60-70 % charge ??? what gives here ... a higher voltage... means lesser charge ??

ok read some more... seems I measured a "surface charge" when I disconnected my charger.... and the battery will settle down after a while ...

 

[Scott Danforth]

on a lead acid. 12.7 volts is full charge and 12.0 is fully discharged. however the charger/alternator/etc. will put out slightly higher to make sure that the electrons flow to the battery.

anything above the 12.7 is considered a "surface charge" and if you leave the battery alone and check it, it will be about 12.7

 

[alldodge]

my fully charged (meter display) reads 13.4 and Internet says that equates to 60-70 % charge ???

Might be two issues,
Your meter is not reading correctly, or as Scott mentioned it was just disconnected from charger

Your reading the internet post incorrectly, or they were talking about a battery which was something other then LA bat

 

[Crosbyman]

ok will try the charged batt. in the car at -20C with cleaned contacts on the posts ... if it dies i'll get a new batt.

thanks all for comments

 

[racerone]

Most battery sellers can / will do a load test on a battery.-----Quick , simple and FREE at my local outlet.

 

[cyclops222]

You are checking a battery at - 20 C ?
Not going to happen correctly.

 

[Crosbyman]

You are checking a battery at - 20 C ?
Not going to happen correctly.

basement temps 22 C

 

[dingbat]

basement temps 22 C

Lead acid batteries release hydrogen gas when charging. Not the best idea to store or charge them in the basement.

 

[Crosbyman]

thanks for the concern. yes I am aware of H release and can't argue virtue but I really don't thing H would build up to the extent of igniting in open air . H Caution is usually recommended when jumping a battery due to the proximity of sparks and some H but I think cleaning carb parts in garages and... basements with volatile petroleum products is a much bigger culprit /concern but I will hold off trickle charging other batteries for the boat , & mower till May.

 

[cyclops222]

Recharge in the garage with the door open 1 foot. door to house closed.

 

[airshot]

When I was a young lad, my father charged our batteries in the basement. At one of the windows he built a shelf and made a box for the batteries to set in that had an open vent to the window that was cracked open. It appeared to work well, but over time you would see some type of crud building on the inside of the cover and the vent window.....probably an acid buildup, something you wouldn't want inside your home !