Magnum Energy ME-ARC Series Owner's Manual page 60

5.0 Operation
During Equalize mode the batteries will begin gassing and bubbling
vigorously, which consumes water. Ensure each cell has adequate distilled
water levels prior to equalizing, and add water as needed after equalizing.
WARNING: Equalizing produces hydrogen and oxygen gas. To
avoid explosions, ensure the battery compartment has adequate
ventilation in order to dissipate this gas.
CAUTION: Ensure your batteries can be equalized. Only do so if
permitted by your battery manufacturer or dealer. Performing an
Equalization charge on batteries other than liquid lead acid or certain
AGM types could permanently damage them. Contact your battery
manufacturer for their recommendations.
CAUTION: Ensure the DC loads will not be damaged by the higher
voltage applied to the batteries during the equalize charge. If in
doubt, disconnect the DC loads to prevent damage.
Info: Equalization charging is not available if GEL or AGM 2 is selected
from the Setup 03B Battery Type menu.
How often should I equalize? Some experts recommend that heavily
used batteries should be equalized periodically, ranging anywhere from once
a month to once or twice per year. Other experts only recommend equalizing
when the cells have a low specifi c gravity, or when the difference between
any individual cell has a specifi c gravity reading greater than .015 after being
fully charged. Contact your battery manufacturer for their recommendations.
How long should I equalize? While the batteries are gassing, monitor the
specifi c gravity readings every hour. When the specifi c gravity readings no
longer increase, the Equalization charge is complete and should be stopped.
• Float Charging – At the end of the absorb charge time, the charger
reduces the charge voltage and tries to maintain the batteries at the Float
charge voltage setting. This is determined by the SETUP menu's 03B Battery
Type setting as shown in Table 3-1.
Info: If the battery voltage falls ≤12.1 VDC (12-volt models),
≤24.2 VDC (24-volt models), or ≤48.4 VDC (48-volt models) the
unit will initiate Bulk charging.
• Force Float – This charge profi le forces the charger to stay in the Float
mode as long as AC is present and the charger is active. Force Float is most
often used when another source of charging (such as PV, wind, or hydro) is
available to keep the batteries at the fl oat voltage. If AC is disconnected and
then reconnected, the charger will go directly to the Float mode and will not
do a Bulk or Absorption charge cycle.
CAUTION: Using the Force Float mode may not fully charge the
batteries. Most batteries require a Bulk and Absorption charge cycle
in order to fully recombine the electrolyte in the batteries and bring
the specifi c gravity to the proper level. Be sure to check with your
battery manufacturer before using this setting.
54 © 2012 Magnum Energy, Inc.