Battery question
This may be a stupid question, but here we go. If I have a battery that doesn't charge, would that stop the lights in my camper from working. Thanks in advance for the help.
Forum Discussion
It is important to know the state of charge because lead acid batteries are damaged by chronically being discharged below 50%.
It is tricky to measure the % of full charge with a voltmeter. When the battery is charging it will have the voltage of the charger on it, which will be more than 12.6 volts - suggesting it is 100% charged. This awkward situation persists for at least an hour after charging is stopped.
The solution is to install a battery monitor that measures the energy of charging and discharging (amp hrs) and shows the % of full charge all the time.
I have a Cheap battery monitor that works well. Higher quality ones are easier to install and more reliable.
It is tricky to measure the % of full charge with a voltmeter. When the battery is charging it will have the voltage of the charger on it, which will be more than 12.6 volts - suggesting it is 100% charged. This awkward situation persists for at least an hour after charging is stopped.
The solution is to install a battery monitor that measures the energy of charging and discharging (amp hrs) and shows the % of full charge all the time.
I have a Cheap battery monitor that works well. Higher quality ones are easier to install and more reliable.
