NewMar PT-14W Installation And Operation Manual page 11

them. It is during this stage that charging current is maintained at a high level as battery voltage
increases. Bulk charging continues until battery voltage reaches the "charge" voltage level (where
batteries are at about 75‐80% of capacity). A current limit circuit prevents charger overload during this
maximum output stage. At this point the charger switches to the second stage.
2) Absorption Phase: During this second stage of the charge cycle, battery voltage is maintained at the
"charge" voltage level. Output current begins to taper off as the battery plates become saturated.
Charge voltage is maintained until the current sensing circuit detects that output current has tapered to
about 5‐15 % of charger rating*. At this point the batteries are at about 95 % of full charge and the
Phase Three charger switches to the third and final stage of the charge cycle.
* Note: The absorption phase may also be ended by the time‐out circuit. See section B following for a
complete explanation of the purpose and functioning of the time‐out circuit.
3) Float Phase: For extended battery life the Phase Three then automatically switches to a lower float
voltage level. This float charge keeps batteries at peak condition without overcharging. The charger may
be left in this stage for lengthy periods of time without attention (though periodic checks of electrolyte
level in flooded batteries is recommended). It is not necessary or recommended to shut the charger off
when this stage is reached.
A typical three stage charging cycle is illustrated in FIGURE 4.
FIGURE 4: Typical Charger Output Graph (into battery without load)
* Approximately 10 hours maximum at factory setting
The bulk/absorption stages last approximately 10 hours maximum at factory setting.
Note: If a load is applied during the absorption phase, the charger may revert to the bulk phase
depending on the total current draw. When the charger switches to the float phase, it will remain in that
phase regardless of current draw. The charger is still able to deliver full output current when in the float
phase. To re‐initialize the three stage process shut the charger off momentarily, then back on again (or
press the reinitialize button on the optional remote panel)