Equipment

A battery charger that is classified as a "Fast Charge" unit generally is considered sufficient as they are usually capable of about an 18 volt input. When investigating a charger, the following items should be considered essential:

1. A 40-50 amp minimum charge rate.

2. To prevent overcharging, the unit should have a timer (1 to 2 hours) or a voltage regulator that would regulate a maximum of 18 volts.

3. Ampmeter or charging rate meter.

4. An automatic polarity protector.

Some equipment that is available includes the Associated No. 6001 and the Sun 720. Very few chargers have sensitive low voltage meters, therefore, separate voltmeters may be necessary.

FIGURE 5 - LOAD TESTER:

A suitable load tester such as the Sun VAT-40 shown in Fig. 5 (or equivalent) is available and is a very useful tool to properly diagnosis battery problems.