Why is the once a week equalize charge so important with opportunity and fast charge applications?
In opportunity and fast charge applications, the battery is only charged to 80% on a daily basis. To prevent soft sulfation, the battery must be restored to a full state of charge regularly.
Before a battery enters the equalization cycle, it is charged to 100% based on voltage. This finish charge brings the battery to full capacity. Equalization then provides a slight over charge to break any sulfides that have developed over the course of the preceding week and keeps all of the cells balanced. This maintains the maximum capacity of the battery by preventing a hard sulfide buildup. Once equalized, the battery should be topped off with water before being put into service.
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