How Long Can You Leave a Maintainer Charger on a Battery?
A battery maintainer or charger typically keeps your car, motorcycle, scooter or other vehicle battery alive; the devices are especially helpful if you haven't driven the vehicle for a long period of time. Maintainers and charges vary, as does the amount of time required for connection with the battery.
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Chargers, Maintainers and Charger/Maintainers
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A battery charger is different than a battery maintainer. A charger increases the charge of your battery, while a maintainer maintains the level of a battery's charge. A charger and maintainer combination performs both functions.
Smart Charger/Maintainers
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Modern "smart" charger and maintainers automaticlly switch themselves from charger to maintainer when the battery reaches its full charge. Maintainers turn themselves off when necessary.
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Charger Limits
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Battery charger andmaintainers that don't automatically switch between modes must not be left in charge mode for a long period of time. Even trickle chargers -- that slowly feed energy into the battery -- could cause a battery to overheat once it is fully charged.
Safety Issues
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Battery charger and maintainer manufacturers recommend not connecting your charger to an extension cord; plug it directly into a wall socket. Equipment drawing a great deal of power from wall outlet might create a fire hazard. Keep chargers out of inclement weather to prevent damage.
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References
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