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Re: (ET) charger question



Assuming the chargers operate in the same manner, then no, the multiple 4-amp chargers (per battery) would be equivalent of one 36-volt, 4-amp charger. The batteries are charged in series, so they all see the same current, and the voltage is divided across the batteries.

However, if the chargers have different charging characteristics, then all bets are off. For example, based on my experience with fixed-voltage ferro-resonant chargers (e.g., the Lester golf cart chargers and the G.E. chargers) the "25-amp" charger will likely never actually deliver 25 amps to the batteries, and if it does, it will be for a very brief period until the pack voltage starts to rise in response to the charging. The voltage will then taper to a "finishing" (equalization) current, which should be around 2-3 amps max.

On the other hand, some of the newer technology constant-current chargers (or 3-stage chargers that include a constant-current stage) will continue charging at the stated rate (e.g., 4 amps) until they reach the pre-determined voltage set-point. It's worth making sure you are comparing "apples to apples" when it comes to chargers.

Darryl McMahon

Chapin, Tim wrote:
Are 6 4 amp  6v chargers hooked one to each battery comparable to 1 36v
25 amp charger?

I.e. does the amps get split up between the batteries in a single
charger so that each battery is seeing basically 4 amps?



--
Darryl McMahon                  http://www.econogics.com
It's your planet.  If you won't look after it, who will?