22 Years' Battery Customization
APR 22, 2022 Pageview：852
Marine Battery Voltage Meter
Voltage meters give battery information but should not be relied entirely upon in determining the conditions of the battery. Its sole purpose is to provide voltage readings of the battery. Open circuit voltage is a way of determining the battery voltage using the battery terminals.
Before conducting the test, you should put off all other accessories on the battery. For effective results, the battery should not have had any charge on it for the last 24 hours. Non-compliance with the 24-hour rule will give erroneous readings due to the surface charge on the plates.
Marine Battery Voltage Range
Did you know that having the recommended voltage level for your battery helps in increasing its lifespan? There are two distinct types of marine batteries; Marine batteries designed for use in starting engines and the ones intended for starting engines and deep cycle applications.
The two types of batteries operate under different voltage levels when charged to the total capacity.
The voltage range for marine batteries used in starting engines is about 12.6-12.8 volts. On the other hand, batteries used for both deep cycle and starting engines range from 13.0-13.2 volts.
Keeping the voltage range of marine batteries at this standard level helps increase your battery's lifespan and performance. You should ensure that the battery is always fully charged at this recommended voltage level.
The charge should be maintained after charging the battery to full capacity by holding the battery at a lower voltage. Subjecting the battery to high voltage levels causes short-circuiting of the electrolyte, which might damage the battery.
Marine Battery Voltage Tester?
Imagine being stranded in an ocean in the middle of nowhere because of battery failure. Knowing the battery conditions is necessary before setting out on a journey. It will help you be informed whether the battery needs some adjustments.
The way of getting the information is by using a voltage tester. It is crucial to have a battery tester made specifically for your battery.
The tester will give you information on the amount of charge in the battery and if there are any issues with the battery. By knowing the charge available on the battery, you will be able to decide to increase the charge if not fully charged before setting out on your journey.
Different Types of Battery Testers
Several testers exist in the market, depending on how they work. Let us look at some of the common ones to help you choose the best.
Schumacher BT-100.?This tester is easy to read and understand. The readings displayed on this tester can easily be understood by everyone. The tester works best for 12 volts batteries with a load test of 100 amps.
However, you do not have to worry if your battery is not 12 volts. This tester can still serve you perfectly well. For instance, to test a 6 volts battery, you will need to set a load test of 50 amps. The only limitation with this type of tester is that the batteries should have less than 1000 CCA.
Solar Battery Meter.?This tester is specifically designed for 12 volts batteries with 100-1200 CCA. The battery type does not matter when using a solar battery meter tester. Solar battery meters are used in AGM, Gel Cell, Conventional, Spiral Wound, and Deep-Cycle. The tester also allows easy readability and usage because it has LED indicators.
MinnKota Digital Battery Meter.?It is one of the most popular testers you will find in the market because of its affordability. Just like the other types of testers, it is easier to read. The tester has a digital display.
The charge on the battery is displayed in terms of whether it is 0%, 1/3, 2/3, or full. The small size of the tester is another salient feature that makes it easier for one to walk around.
How to Test a Marine Battery
It is crucial for one to know how to test a marine battery. You will need to have a few items to help you test the battery. These are the boxed or open-ended wrenches 3/8 and 5/16 inches and a multimeter used in testing the battery.
What are the steps to consider in testing the battery?
1.Ensure that the batterys’ box is wide open. The black ground cable from the batterys’ negative pole should be removed using a 5/16 inch box or the open-end wrench.
2.The next step is to insert the red probe into the terminal on the face of the multimeter for volts, ohms, and diode testing, which is marked with the letter V and the Greek letter omega, the symbol for ohms.
3.The black probe is then inserted into the common terminal marked COM.
4.The selector dial on the face of the multimeter should be adjusted to read the V DC function for measuring direct current volts.
5.The next thing is to turn the multimeter on. This is done by pressing and holding the button in the center of the rotary dial of the multimeter concurrently. Keep holding the button in the center of the dial for around two seconds, putting the meter into the Automatic Touch Hold Mode.
6.Hold the red probe to the battery's positive post and the black probe to the negative pole of the battery. You will realize that the meter will beep and display the battery voltage on the screen.
The readings displayed on the screen should be 12.4 volts or higher for a wet cell battery and 12.8 to 12.9 volts for an AGM or Gel Cell battery. If your battery shows a voltage reading of 10.5 volts or below, it indicates a short-circuited battery cell.
Knowing your battery's voltage range and tester is vital to the battery life. The tester helps denote the battery charge.
The voltage range makes you aware of the voltage where your battery should lie while fully charged. Having this in mind prevents unexpected inconveniences that might occur due to battery anomalies.
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