C) Battery Charging Cycle Explained - NewMar 12-1800IC Installation & Operation Manual

Some notes and warnings regarding the equalization circuit:
WARNING: Equalization of batteries should only be done with a clear understanding of the
process and is performed entirely at the user's risk. Some battery types will be damaged by
equalization. Refer to the battery manufacturer for recommendations regarding equalization.
Some manufacturers of flooded lead-acid batteries recommend a charging process known as
equalization for extended battery life. This is because the normal charging/discharging
process will, over time, leave a deposit of sulfate on the battery plates which degrades overall
performance and is exacerbated by uneven voltage potential between the plates. The equal-
ization process involves occasionally charging a wet lead-acid battery at a very high voltage
for a short period of time in order to completely de-sulfate the battery plates, and "equalize"
the voltage between them.
CAUTION: Equalization is not recommended for sealed valve regulated or gel-cell batteries.
! Equalization should only be performed with no load on the battery system so that effective
equalization voltage is maintained throughout the cycle. In addition, some loads may be
harmed by the higher voltages required by equalization.
! Upon applying AC to the charger, the equalization circuit will typically be engaged for
about four hours, after which it will revert to the float mode (discussed later). If longer equal-
ization time is desired, turn the charger off for about five seconds then turn it back on to
start another four hour cycle.
! As long as the switch is left in either of the equalization settings (A or B) it will return to
that high output voltage as part of the charge cycle every time the charger is turned off and
back on. Be sure to return the Charger Output Selector to the normal "C" output setting
immediately after equalization is finished. Otherwise damage to the batteries and to DC
equipment being powered by the batteries may result.
C) Battery Charging Cycle and Status L.E.D.'s Explained
The internal charger utilizes the three stage charge regimen which is widely recommended by
battery manufacturers for allowing the fastest possible recharge time without exceeding the
batteries' gas point limit.
This three stage regimen is initiated each time AC is first applied, when drained batteries are
most likely to be encountered, then proceeds through each stage at a rate which is dictated
by the battery's relative state of charge (or the internally set time limits) throughout the
cycle.
Note: When external AC is applied first applied to the unit, it takes approximately 30 seconds
for the unit to run various self-checking functions before the automatic transfer relay is
engaged. At that point the "AC Source: External" and "Charger Status: 3-Stage Mode"
L.E.D.'s will illuminate. If the inverter happens to be operating when external AC is applied,
it will continue to operate throughout this 30 second transition period.
The typical three stage charge regimen with no DC load on the batteries proceeds as follows
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