Battery voltage

[plztellme]

I charged a new AGM battery to 100% charge rate, however, the voltage reading was at 12 volts. Is that just because it is the "nature of the beast"? I always thought a fully charged battery was supposed to be closer to 12.5 volts. Thanks very much for your responses

 

[gm280]

Well did you read that charged voltage with anything connected to the battery? If so, maybe something is drawing some current and the voltage is reading low because of it. If there is nothing connected to it, could your meter be suspect? Try another meter and see. It the second meter is also reading low, maybe the new battery is defective. So a few things to test and see... Let us know what you do find...

 

[plztellme]

Thanks I will try that and let you know. I will also ask at the auto dealership where I work. Unfortunately I'm not a tech though

 

[Fed]

Try the meter on your car battery & compare.

 

[UncleWillie]

... the voltage reading was at 12 volts. Is that just because it is the "nature of the beast"? I always thought a fully charged battery was supposed to be closer to 12.5 volts...

An AGM battery is a normal Flooded Cell, Lead Acid battery with Fibergalss Mats placed between the plates of the battery.
It will behave just like a normal battery with the added advantage that if turned on its side, or upside down, the acid will not flow out from between the plates.
It should show the same voltage behavior as a normal battery.
At a full charge at room temperature you should see 12.6 volts.
You should also have been seeing ~14 volts or more while charging, and the voltage slowly returning to 12.6v over a few hour period after charging.

Are you certain it was actually being charged? Was the 14v+ present?

 

[plztellme]

The techs at the auto dealership where I work, said to use a multimeter for an accurate reading. I did and the voltage reading was right at 12.53 volts. Thanks guys