For first-timers, using the Optima AGM batteries may not give invincible results even though they are among the market-best brands. It is obvious you are researching about Optima battery charging troubles and we will hand you some crucial considerable information on how to charge Optima battery. This article will provide an elaborated Optima battery charger instructions and tackling the aspects of the charging process.
However, before that, some people periodically start their car then let it rest idly for a while so let us set facts straight. Instead of being a properly-maintained battery, this process may discharge a battery faster. The operation of the engine requires sufficient speed and time to substitute the consumed energy during its idle and starting times.
A Regular or a Special One: Optima Battery Charger
With low internal vibration, the AGM type Optima batteries allow high amperes counts in terms of the received amount of charge at an efficient rate. When users apply chargers with Gel/AGM or Gel settings, sometimes the Optima AGM battery does not receive full charge where instead over time, it gets damaged.
Nonetheless, some chargers with AGM-compatible functionality may not revive deeply drained (<10.5 volts) Optima batteries. This may call for parallel charging while following necessary instructions. Another reason why Optima batteries may not be compatible ideally with regular chargers because of its non-standard character of a longer pace. There are modern high-functional AGM-specific battery chargers for Optima batteries with built-in features.
Even trickle-charger can treat an Optima battery as it regulates the voltage properly. For a running charger on an indefinite period, you must remain under 1-amp of current and 13.8-volts of voltage as a maximum range. However, the utilization of a trickle charger is only recommended for charge maintenance.
If you are keener to apply your high-output alternator, unless there is a voltage regulation-fail, it will barely damage the Optima. It happens due to its low-intensity internal resistance which efficiently accepts high current compared to mainstream batteries.
So, the question arises for Optima Batteries is if they need a special charger.
If you are bound to go for regular charger utilization for feeding an Optima AGM battery, you might work it out given all equivalent characteristics even if they are structurally applicable for the category of standard lead-acid types. While trying to make a break do take note for it, Optima batteries, in most case scenarios, are utilized where mainstream batteries may not always fit, thus chargers as well. And so risking after all issues are considered may not seem preferable.
The Optima manufacturer has high-quality Optima chargers like Digital 400 and Digital 1200. They are both charger and maintainer with the functionality efficiency to charge any lead-acid 12-volts battery. They have usefulness for AGM batteries- even batteries drained down to 1.25 volts. These chargers are structured to own voltage gauges that enable the pre-charge level of voltage measurement. Check if an optima battery is bad
How to Charge An Optima Battery
This is detailed information on the charging procedure of each of the specific Optima battery types for the best practices. The recommended methods ensure battery longevity that you can follow. Remember to set voltage limits while utilizing a voltage-regulated charger as per the description below.
Optima YellowTop Battery Charging
| Dual-purpose · Designed for engine starting and cyclic applications · For vehicles with large accessory loads | D51, D51R, D35, D27M, D34/R, D34/78, D75/25, and others | D31A and D31T |
| Recommended Charger | CTEK MXS 7.0 Multi-Stage Battery Charger (7-Amp) | Victron Battery Charger with Blue Smart (10-Amp) |
| Alternator | 13.65 – 15.0V, no amperage limit | 13.65 – 15.0V, no amperage limit |
| Battery Charger | 13.8 – 15.0V, 10 amps max, for 6-12 hours | 13.8 – 15.0V, 10 amps max, for 6-12 hours |
| Cyclic Applications | 14.7 No current limit for battery temperature <51.7 For current falls <1-amp, apply 2-amp constant current for 1 hour. | · 14.7V · No current limit for battery temperature <51.7°C · For current falls <1-amp, apply 3-amp constant current for 1 hour |
| Â Rapid Recharge | · Max 15.6V (regulated) · No current limit for battery temperature < 51.7 · Charge until current drops below 1 amp | · Max 15.6V (regulated) · No current limit for battery temperature <51.7°C · Charge until current drops below 1 amp |
| Float Charge | 13.2 – 13.8V, at lower voltage current < 1-amp, time indefinite | 13.2 -13.8V, at lower voltage current <1-amp, time indefinite |
| Designed for engine starting applications · NOT recommended or warranted for deep-cycle applications | 34, 35, 34/78, 25, 35, 75/25 | 6V |
| Recommended Charger | Thunder 8-Amp Battery Charger | Battery Fighter 6V Charger |
| Alternator | 13.3 – 15.0V, no amperage limit | 6.65 – 7.5V, no amperage limit |
| Battery Charger | 13.8 – 15.0V, 10 amps max, for 6 to 12 hours | 6.9 – 7.5V, 10 amps max, for 6 to 12 hours |
| Rapid Recharge | · Max 15.6V regulated · No current limit for battery temperature <51.7 °C · Charge until current drops below 1-amp | · Max 7.8V regulated · No current limit for battery temperature <51.7°C · Charge until current drops below 1-amp |
| Float Charge | 13.2 – 13.8V, current <1-amp, time indefinite (at lower voltage) | 6.6 -6.9V, current <1-amp, time indefinite (at lower voltage) |
Optima BlueTop Battery Charging
| Designed for engine starting applications · NOT warranted for use in deep-cycle applications | 34M | D34M, D31M, D27M |
| Recommended Charger | Thunder Battery Charger (8-Amp) | Battery Fighter Multi-Stage Multi-Amp Battery Charger |
| Alternator | 13.3 – 15.0V, no amperage limit | 13.65 – 15.0V, no amperage limit |
| Battery Charger | 13.8 – 15.0V, 10-amps max, for 6-12 hours | 13.8 – 15.0V, 10-amps max, for 6 to 12 hours |
| Rapid Recharge | Max 15.6V (regulated) No current limit for battery temperature < 51.7°C Charge until current drops < 1-amp | Max 15.6V (regulated) No current limit for battery temperature < 51.7°C Charge until current drops < 1-amp |
| Float Charge | 13.2 – 13.8V, at lower voltage, current <1-amp, time indefinite | 13.2 – 13.8V, at lower voltage, current <1-amp, time indefinite |
| Cyclic Applications | · 14.7V · No current limit for battery temperature < 51.7°C · For current falls < 1-amp, finish with 2-amp constant current for 1-hour (D34M) and 3-amp constant current for 1-hour (D27M, D31M) |
Safety and Precautions While Optima Battery Charging
It is necessary to maintain safety instructions for typical consumer applications when working so closely with batteries so have your safety glasses on. Another important precaution is to set limits to the above ranges/ratings when utilizing a battery charger (voltage-regulated).
Overcharging the batteries can end up with opened safety valves causing the battery gasses to outflow. Now it has two outcomes where the gets a premature failure and the escaped gasses are highly flammable. Also, sealed overcharged batteries do not have the option to get replaced water.
However, while charging if you take notice of a hot battery surface (hotter than what you can touch with your bare hands) or hissing noises, this is a warning situation so disconnect it immediately. With overcharging issues, failure to achieving full charge also cause a battery performance hamper and capacity reduction