Magnum Energy ME-ARC Series Owner's Manual page 59

Info: Press the ON/OFF CHARGER button to enable charging again. When enabled, the
charger continues in the previous charge mode and the CHG (green) LED comes on.
• Charging – Once Charger mode has been enabled, the unit waits and displays "Charging" to
determine the charge routine. If the DC voltage is low (≤12.8 VDC/12v models, ≤25.6 VDC/24v
models, or ≤51.2 VDC/48v models), the charger initiates bulk charging. If the DC voltage is high
(≥12.9 VDC/12v models, ≥25.7/24v models, or ≥51.3/48v models), the charger skips the Bulk
and Absorb charging stages and go directly to the fi nal charge stage (Float or Silent).
Info: If battery type is CC/CV, the charger enters the Constant Current mode after
"charging".
Info: If the LFP battery type has been selected, the charger will go into the Bulk charge
mode each time AC is connected - regardless of the battery voltage. However, if AC is
reconnected less than two minutes after being disconnected, the charger will return to
the previous charge mode.
• Equalizing – This display indicates that the battery charger is delivering the equalize voltage
to the batteries. See Table 3-1 to determine the equalize voltage for your battery type.
Equalize charging can be enabled by the ON/OFF CHARGER button if the SETUP: 03C Battery Type
setting allows. Equalization charging can only be enabled while the charger is in Float Charge or
Full Charge mode. To turn on Equalize charging, ensure the LCD display reads "Float Charging",
"Full Charge", or "Silent", then press and hold down the ON/OFF CHARGER button (about fi ve
seconds) until the LCD screen displays "Equalizing".
The Equalize charge will continue for four hours and then automatically stop and return to fl oat
charging. The Equalize charge can be manually stopped by pressing and holding down the ON/
OFF CHARGER button (about fi ve seconds) until the LCD screen displays "Float Charging".
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 then 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 loads to prevent
damage.
Info: Equalization charging is not available if GEL or AGM 2, or LFP is selected from the
SETUP: 03C Battery Type menu.
Why would I equalize? Equalizing helps to mix the battery electrolyte and attempts to reverse
the build-up of stratifi cation by removing sulfates that may have built up on the plates. These
conditions if left unchecked, reduce the overall capacity of the battery bank.
How often should I equalize? Some experts recommend that heavily used batteries should
be equalized periodically—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 diff erence
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 read-
ings every hour. When the specifi c gravity readings no longer increase, the Equalization charge
is complete and should be stopped.
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