Battery Charger

What is a battery charger?

Most of the problems with batteries are caused by incorrect charging. In the perfect combination with the right charger, a battery will last for years without any loss of capacity. Chargers are also important when the battery is not in use. After all, every battery has a small self-discharge. In the long run, this leads to deep discharge, which can cause irreparable damage.

Which battery charger do you need?

Compare the technical requirements of your vehicle battery and your battery charger, and match them in this way:

• The charging voltage of the charger must be the same as the voltage of the battery (in volts).
• The charging current of the charger must be 20% of the battery capacity (in amperes).
• The charger must be matched to the type of battery, i.e., it must be suitable for a lead-acid battery, a gel battery, a lithium ion battery or an AGM battery.

What are the different types of battery chargers?

Battery chargers can be classified according to their placement and operation.

Installing a battery charger

• A stationary charger, for example a charging station, remains on site.
• A built-in charger is usually provided for a built-in battery.

Operation of a battery charger

• A conventional charger, often also known as a linear charger or transformer, is reliable and cheap. Its disadvantages are a higher energy consumption and a humming noise when charging. Count on approximately 12 hours of charging time in total.
• A high-frequency charger reduces the charging time to 6 to 8 hours. This type is smaller, lighter and faster. The logical disadvantage is that they are very expensive.

How do you use a battery charger?

The correct use of your charger is essential in order to avoid damaging your battery.

• Never allow the battery capacity to fall below 20%.
• Do not disconnect the charger from the battery too soon.
• Avoid unnecessary intermediate charging, with the exception of lithium ion batteries.

Our golden tip: in order to charge in a safe and efficient way, read the manual of your charger and your battery before using it for the first time.

How long does it take to charge a battery?

This depends on the type of battery and the type of battery charger. It’s best to calculate the time by dividing the battery capacity by the maximum charging capacity. Add another 2 to 4 hours to that result for recharging from approximately 80% to 100%.

For example, do you have a battery with a capacity of 200 Ah that is half discharged, and a battery charger of 20 A? Then the charging time is 100/20 = 5 + 4 = 9 hours. In general, it takes approximately 12 hours to charge a forklift battery after it has completed a full 8-hour shift.

The right battery charger?

You can find them at JVD Parts. We are part of Joris Van Dijck N.V., your expert for vehicle parts and accessories for more than 60 years. You’ll not only find the best brands with us, but we also guarantee you the best possible service. Do you have any questions about ordering the right battery charger? Our employees will be happy to help you.