ok, so from a forum search, a few of you think the Schumacher brand of chargers is ok. I don't know much about what the voltages should be on the battery when it's charging.

I picked up an XC10 charger at Walmart, and started my batt charging. It's been going for a few hours now, and when I take the voltage of the batt (still on the charger) it's at 15.2 volts. It's been steadily climbing since I connected it.

From what I can find on the net, I the batt shouldn't be above 14.8v (max of 8 hours). I don't want to overcharge the battery, and have to deal with swealing, or possible explosions. This charger is supposed to cut off once it hits a certain voltage. Should I be worried I'm this high already? Should I take it off the charger? Or just let it go?

Thanks guys for the advice.

 

What amp setting is it on? The higher the amp setting the higher the voltage. I looked and it is an automatic charger. You might just keep an eye on it or just lower the amp setting. I have a Schumacher but it is a heavier duty one. The old metal cased ones are great. I can't give much input on the newer style ones.

 

I'm running at the 6 amp setting. It was approaching 16v so i turned the charger off. Dont want to have an accident in my grandmothers garage. I never noticed any swelling from the battery, just the warm plastic smell from the charger. I wrote that off because it has a plastic housing and the smell has been present since i turned it on.

 

What was the condition of the battery before you began charging it? If you know the battery was good, it sounds like you are at full charge and, since you already disconnected it, you're done.

A good product these days is the microprocessor type units that both charge and maintain batteries. They take a little longer to fully charge a dead battery but they can be left connected without fear of overcharging. Unlike the one you already bought that is "supposed to cut off once it hits a certain voltage", this type continues to monitor your battery's charge level and maintains it at the optimum level. Battry Tender is one brand but there are several out there of equal quality for about $50. I leave one connected anytime I leave a vehicle for over two weeks without planning to use it. When I do want to use it, the battery is always in peak condition.

 

I looked up the one he bought. It is a microprocessor controlled unit.