Properly charging your battery allows it to last longer and keep its performance. With that being said, many people don’t know the proper battery charging guidelines, when to charge, how long to charge and so on. MK Battery is here to highlight our top suggestions for charging your battery.
Use the Correct Charger
Always use the charger meant for your battery – to go along with this, use the recommended batteries for your make and model to avoid any damage to the battery or device itself. The charger supplied with your mobility equipment should fully charge the battery overnight. NOTE: Never use an automotive trickle type or wet type charger on Sealed VRLA Gel or AGM batteries. It will damage your batteries.
Charge Prior to First Use and Then Every Day or Night
Charge your batteries prior to using your equipment for the first time. Every day or night after use your batteries must be charged for a minimum of 8 hours to return 80% of the capacity. Additional time may be required to return 100%. It's also recommended that about once a week, you give the batteries the opportunity for a 12-hour charge. NOTE: If unable to charge your batteries immediately after use, do not leave them in a discharged state for more than 24 hours. Batteries should be charged daily, regardless of the amount of time the batteries are used.
Know Recommended Chargers to Use
Here are our recommended chargers based on battery size:
- Battery Size: 7-18 Amp hours
- MK Charger: LS24/2
- Description: 24-volt 2-amp automatic charger
- Battery Size: 20-45 Amp hours
- MK Charger: LS24/5
- Description: 24-volt 5-amp automatic charger
- Battery Size: 50-79 Amp hours
- MK Charger: M-D-EN0801
- Description: 24-volt 8-amp automatic charger
Be Consistent and Never Drain the Battery
Chronic undercharging or continuously charging for less time that the recommendation is a common cause of sulfation which can reduce capacity, shorten run times and lead to premature battery failure. To regain lost capacity due to undercharging, we recommend a 12-hour charge be performed at least once a week. NOTE: Draining your batteries completely may result in your charger not being able to charge your batteries.
Don’t Worry About Overcharging
Modern chargers used in the Power Mobility market today are smarter than ever before. Your charger supplied with your equipment, if functioning properly, is designed to be left on without fear of overcharging and will either shut off when done or will go into a maintenance mode.
For more charging questions, visit our FAQ page! If you need help picking out your next battery, our team at MK Battery is here for you. Contact us today to talk with one of our friendly representatives to learn more.
