Rating of chargers for car batteries

The battery is charged from the vehicle's generator while driving and does not require frequent intervention from the vehicle owner. But even a fully serviceable battery will one day refuse to move the electric starter due to low temperatures, long periods of inactivity, trips with frequent stops, or simply not turned off at night the headlights. Then the choice of the charger will determine how long it will take to revive it.

Charger types

In the schematic diagram of the simplest charger, only two main elements are necessarily present: a transformer that lowers the voltage from a 220V AC network, and a rectifier that converts it into direct current. Garage craftsmen, with the necessary parts, can assemble such a device even with their own hands.

Modern chargers have up to ten additional functions that allow you to both use the device according to the "plug and forget" principle, and adjust the charging mode as you wish:

• Automation... Many chargers sold today determine the level of battery discharge by themselves, automatically adjust the amperage during operation, and turn off when the battery is charged.
• Manual adjustment... Chargers with this function allow the owner to independently configure the same charger to work with batteries that differ in type, voltage rating and capacity.
• Programming functions... Individual adjustment of more complex operating cycles of the device, depending on the situation - the technical condition of the battery, the remaining charge, urgency, etc.
• DEF... In case of abnormal situations, three types of protection may be required: against overheating, short circuit in a faulty power network and against polarity reversal due to incorrect connection of wires to the terminals.
• Desulfation mode... Sulfates accumulate on the plates of lead-acid batteries, which reduce the capacity and can damage the battery. The desulfation cycle by alternating charge and discharge removes sediment without the use of chemicals.
• Built-in battery... Chargers with this option are able to recharge the battery without being connected to the mains. In fact, they are a plug-in battery that you can take on the road.
• Help when starting the engine... Crank chargers are rated for amperage sufficient to operate the starter when the battery is completely discharged. By the presence of this function, all devices are divided into chargers and starters.

Chargers without a starting function will make you wait several hours for the battery to come to life. Starter chargers, in turn, differ in maximum current strength, which can reach 300 A and more. The most powerful starters will light up even a heavy truck.

Maximum and minimum amperage are the two main parameters that you should pay attention to when choosing a battery charger. To do this, divide the capacity of your battery by 10: for example, for a battery with a capacity of 50 A * h, you need a charger with a maximum current of at least 5 A. The device must also support the nominal voltage of the battery - most of them are designed for 6, 12 or 24 V.

Popular Models

Some types of devices are suitable for an ordinary car owner, others are suitable for servicing tractors and special equipment. Car battery chargers can be rated based on cost and capacity.

Pennant-27 2045

Charger with manual setting of amperage from 0,4 to 7 amperes. The compact device has a display indicating voltage, overheating and incorrect clamping. Simplicity and cost from 2000 rubles. have a downside - no additional functions and programmable automation.

Pennant-32 2043

It features an adjustable current strength up to 20 A, which allows not only to charge a battery with a capacity of up to 220 A * h, but also to recharge the battery in an accelerated mode immediately before the start. Charging with increased amperage is convenient in case of a rush, but it can damage the battery! The price of the model is also about 2000 rubles.

Four Elements i-Charge 10 771-152

Automated charger rated for 2, 6 or 10 amps. The advantages of the model include the ability to charge in the selected mode with a battery capacity of up to 100 A * h, the disadvantages - at a price of about 4000 rubles. it is not designed to operate in start mode.

Next is Smart-Power SP-25N Professional

Fully automatic device for charging batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 or 24 V. Maximum current - 25 A. Additionally, desulfation and winter charging modes are available at temperatures below 5 degrees. The device itself will diagnose the battery, select the duty cycle and turn off at 100% charge. The cost of smart charging is about 9000 rubles.

Telwin Leader 150 Start 230V 12V

Start-charger with amperage up to 140 A. The model is designed to charge rechargeable batteries with a capacity of 25 to 250 A * h and help when starting the engine with a discharged battery. Disadvantages of the device - work only with a 12-volt battery, lack of automation and a price that can go up to 15 rubles.

Fubag Force 420

Professional high-power charger for 12 and 24 V batteries. In charging mode, the maximum current is 50 amperes, which is enough to service batteries with a capacity of up to 800 A * h. In start mode, the model produces up to 360 A and can handle starters of almost any engine. The cost of the device starts from 12 rubles.

It may be helpful: how to choose a starter-charger for a car.

In addition to performance, car battery chargers from different manufacturers differ in build quality, weight and ergonomics, which also affects cost. Therefore, when choosing, it is worth considering not only the requirements of your battery, but also the conditions in which the purchased device will be used and stored.