Many modern marine battery pack chargers and on-board battery chargers these days has dual voltage system capacity both for 12 and 24-volt batteries with multiple-current charging system like 30, 15 and 6 amps. They are also complete with a 3 stage charging system that allows it to charge different kinds of batteries to its full potential. It works by firstly introducing a high current followed by a low current and a much lower current when it is nearly full. The voltage and current stimulated by the charger and the time between switching from each phase is unique based on the type of battery you select. For example if you have a Gel Cell battery, you can use the settings for this type of battery through display console.
With the included unique software allows it for a slightly lower charge voltage and higher store voltage to protect sensitive true Gel Cell batteries. Using a selector switch, you can shift between the various kinds of battery packs including Flooded, Gel and AGM cell batteries. Other important capabilities that usually integrated to a more advanced boat battery charger is the capability to conform in any kind of weather condition and ambient temperature, almost all chargers now include a program that permits you to select between different temperature presets. Different temperature configuration settings have an effect on how the chargers function to reach its maximum performance even in the coldest and hottest part of the season.
A good charger should have basic safety capabilities built into it other than the standard circuit breaker and glass fuse that usually included when you purchase them and are also typical circuit protection in most automotive vehicles and big motorboats. It should have a reverse polarity protection circuit to protect the battery pack and the charger from short circuiting just in case you accidentally miss-wired it.
Many brands even have a fail-safe system that uses a timer so that it will immediately turn to servicing mode when it surpasses the normal time it normally takes to charge a certain kind of electric battery. This will guarantee that it will not get overcharged and damage the battery even if you left it unattended. Considering that you’re using it on a boat, you should obtain one that can withstand rust from humidity and salt water. Boats are often exposed to bumps particularly when there is a storm or huge wave, your unit needs to be shockproof.
When you purchase a completely new unit it usually includes all the things you need to install and connect it to the battery. It is usually incorporated with the regular mounting bracket and the screws to keep it in place. The wire to hook up it to the battery pack and the terminals and alligator clamp for momentary connection are also provided. The length of the wires is long enough so you can place the charger near the electric battery.
If you want to install it away from the battery packs, you need to obtain longer wires. Same with the input, normally it only have about 6 feet of cord wire so you need to use an expansion cord or if you want you can wire it using a heavy-duty on-board charger inlet so you can just connect it from the outside of the boat. You should also select one with the correct size or capacity, you can choose from 30, 15, 10 and 6 amps charger. Purchasing an underrated one will take it longer to charge and sometimes will trigger a breakdown triggering the fail-safe protection timer that stops it from overcharging.
To get additional information about the various types of boat battery chargers or marine battery charger, you can visit the underlined links and find the best prices.