Battery in constant FLOAT mode

Question

hi,we have a monitor to check our batteries-for the last few days they have bee in a constant FLOAT mode, with a variable 1-3 amp constant charge.normally, we have 0 constant charge and are not in float mode.cleaned all battery connections and checked water levels..all are ok.my question-can i do any harm to inverter/transfer switch/12v appliances or anything if i let this continue for a week or 2 until we get somewhere to address the issue?i probably need new batteries, but won't be able to get them for 2 weeks.thanks

rjsfishin · Answer

Sounds to me like its working right now, and wasn't before. Anytime there is no charge, seems like it should be in float/maint mode.But you dint mention any voltages, so hard to say

almot · Answer

If in the past they demanded 0 when fully charged, and now they demand 1-3A, it means they are going downhill.

mntundraret · Answer

As for damage to anything on the 12v circuit, if the voltage stays below 15 volts there will be no problems for equipment. I would expect you to find around 13.2 (float) or possibly 13.6 to 13.8 volts if charging in "absorption" mode if your batteries are sulfated and getting old.

The only further damage would be from "overcharging" of already bad batteries. Waiting a few weeks to get home to replace batteries should be okay.

almot · Answer

notlost wrote:for the last few days they have bee in a constant FLOAT mode, with a variable 1-3 amp constant charge.normally, we have 0 constant charge and are not in float mode.The more I read, the less I understand. Are the batteries on maintenance charger or converter in 1-3A Float all the time? Any loads?Before, if they were not in Float - where were they "normally" according to monitor? Zero amps and no loads?

mexicowanderer · Answer

"Float" means constant appropriate voltage.What amperage is occurring at a particular voltage gives the whole story.Amperage by itself can be, to say the least, misleading...

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Battery in constant FLOAT mode

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