Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Lebenz
Thanks!
Before your post, I thought that batteries discharged much quicker in cold climate. Is your comment only applicable for new and unused batteries? I debated leaving a trickle charger on it, but was worried about the charger failing after many years of running, over charging the battery, and causing a melt down...
|
Self-discharge is a chemical reaction, and chemical reaction rates generally increase/decrease exponentially with temperature. Thus, a fully charged battery will discharge slower in cold temperatures than hot temperatures.
The Battery Tender and similar devices turn off and on relative to battery charge state, and, if operating properly, will not overcharge the battery. Conventional chargers should not be left on a battery indefinitely, even at their lowest setting.
You can also insure against overcharging by powering a Battery Tender off a timer that you use to turn lights on and off when your not home. Setting the timer at about four hours per day should be okay, but you want to monitor it for a few days and be sure the green light is on when the timer turns off. This means the battery is fully charged.
Duke