Equalizing Charge

Author: E.E. Kimberly

In the usual cycle of charging and discharging, all of the sulfate is not reduced in all the cells. If sulfate is permitted to remain unreduced, its reduction becomes increasingly more difficult. The hardened sulfate clogs the pores of the plates and reduces the capacity of the battery. To prevent this accumulation, an "equalizing charge" at a rate no higher than the "finish charge" rate should be given periodically. A battery which is charged no oftener than once every week should have every charge continued into an equalizing charge until all cells gas freely and three consecutive half-hourly hydrometer readings show no increase in specific gravity. A battery charged oftener than once every week may be kept in best condition by making every fifth or sixth charge an equalizing charge.