[C320-list] FW: Battery Equalization

[Jeff Church]

Thanks Karl,

I'll do some reading and pick up a hydrometer. With a little PM I could 
probably make these batteries last a long time since they never see a deep 
discharge.

JeffC

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Karl Mielenhausen _/) " <kmielen at iwon.com>
To: <C320-List at catalina320.com>
Sent: Friday, April 14, 2006 8:10 PM
Subject: [C320-list] FW: Battery Equalization


>
> Jeff,
>
>
>
> Your 12.7 vDC reading sounds good, but you want to know the health of each 
> cell. I would start by measuring the specific gravity of each cell of each 
> battery. Make sure you flush battery fluid in and out of the hydrometer so 
> you get good mixture and get the hydrometer up to the fluid's temperature.
>
>>From what I've read, the difference between any 2 cells in the same 
>>battery should not exceed 0.030 If it does, you are a candidate for 
>>equilization.
>
> I'm told equilization is more of a benefit for true deep cycle 
> batteries... what we have in our C320's are more of a hybrid starting/deep 
> cycle battery.
>
>
>
>
>
> In a typical equalization cycle, the battery voltage is allowed to rise to 
> approximately 16 volts, where it is maintained for up to eight hours by 
> adjustment of the charging current.  This process helps to mix up the 
> electrolyte, which otherwise tends to "stratify" (i.e., separate into 
> overlappying layers of acid and water), and is also useful in removing 
> some sulfate deposits.  When performed properly, equalization doesn't make 
> the battery boil over, but does produce fairly vigorous bubbling. At the 
> end of this cycle, you can expect to add some water.
>
>
>
> Most battery manufacturers consider one equalization charge per month
>
> to be appropriate for batteries that are in a continuous state of charge 
> and discharge;  less often is adequate for batteries that see a lot of 
> standby service.  Due to the generation of considerable gas that 
> accompanies this process, equalization shoud NEVER be performed on a 
> sealed or gel-cell battery.
>
>
>
> Also, most 12-volt DC appliances will not tolerate the 16-plus volts,
>
> so remember to disconnect everything or detach the battery cables before 
> you equalize.
>
>
>
> Here is a helpful website:
>
> http://www.marine-electronics.net/techarticle/battery_faq/b_faq.htm#6
>
>
>
> Don't know about the features of the Flyback 20-3.
>
>
>
> Let us know how you make out!!
>
>
>
> Karl Mielenhausen
>
> 2000 C320 Hull#690 "Silver Lining"
>
> New Bern, NC
>
> http://members.cox.net/mielen/
>
>
>
> From: Jeff Church [mailto: jjemail at comcast.net]
>
> To: C320-List at catalina320.com
>
> Date: Fri, 14 Apr 2006 13:26:53 -0500
>
> Subject: [C320-list] Battery Equalization
>
>
>
> My 4 year old batteries still read 12.7 volts after settling for 24 hours. 
> I think they are in very good condition since they are only lightly 
> discharged and are recharged every day during the regular season, although 
> they do have to survive mid-west winters. Is there any point to equalizing 
> them? Does the Flyback 20-3 have an equalization 
> setting?<br><br>JeffC<br>!!list/join<br>
>
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>
>
>
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