How to Charge a Gel Cell Battery
by J. Taylor Ludwig
Gel cell batteries are deep cycle batteries that contain an electrolyte which is suspended in a gel solution between lead plates. Since gel batteries never spill, they are sometimes referred to as non-spillable batteries, dry cell batteries or maintenance-free gel batteries. The batteries are often used in motorcycles, wheelchairs and radio communications.
You can recharge a gel cell battery with a gel cell battery charger. Constant voltage charging is one of the best charging methods, which you can accomplish in one of two ways.
Fast Charging (Cyclic Charging)
Step 1
Place the battery on the gel cell battery charger by following the manufacturer’s instructions for insertion.
Step 2
Turn on the charger, and charge the battery until the voltage on the terminal reaches 2.40 to 2.45 volts per battery cell (14.4 to 14.7 volts on a 12-volt battery) at 58 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius).
Step 3
Keep the battery at this voltage until the charging current drops down to 0.01 x C amps (with C being the battery’s amp-hour rating).
Step 4
Stop charging the battery in the fast charging mode or switch over to the float charging mode.
Float Charging (Standby Service)
Step 1
Place the battery on the gel cell battery charger per the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Step 2
Turn on the charger, and charge the battery at a constant voltage of 2.25 to 2.30 volts per cell (13.5 to 13.8 volts on a 12-volt battery at 58 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius). At this voltage, the battery should regulate its own level of current.
Step 3
Stop charging the battery when it is fully charged, and remove it from the gel cell battery charger.
References
Tips
- Try to avoid over-charging or under-charging your battery.
Things You'll Need
- Gel cell battery charger
Warnings
- Don’t use a car battery charger on your gel cell battery because the charger may not be properly voltage regulated.
- Don’t charge your battery near objects that may emit flames or sparks.
