Stored battery's volt reading

[Dirty Dawg]

Ok I have a mental block when it comes to electronics, so be gently. My boat batteries are being stored and maintained on a 1.1 amp charger/trickle. What is the voltage that the batteries should have if everything is as it should, 12.75 volts? Just want to check and make sure all is good!! Thanks Ike

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Stored battery's volt reading

Good -- but remove the charger and wait half an hour or so before you measure the voltage.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Stored battery's volt reading

Good -- but remove the charger and wait half an hour or so before you measure the voltage.

Great tip.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Stored battery's volt reading

12.75v is a good resting voltage for a flooded battery but not so good for an AGM or gel.

 

[Dirty Dawg]

Re: Stored battery's volt reading

Yes they are flooded type batteries. I will let them sit and retest. What kind of voltage drop happens to a normal flooded battery just sitting there with no drain. ike

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Stored battery's volt reading

A good battery should measure 12.6 volts. But it can self-discharge over time. How much and over how long a period depends on the age and condition of the battery. Just because it measures 12.6 volts with no load does not mean it's a good battery. Only a load test or hydrometer (a test of the specific gravity of the electrolyte) can tell you if the battery is good or not.

 

[Dirty Dawg]

Re: Stored battery's volt reading

Thanks all for the info. New batteries that worked great last year. Just wondering what I am looking at as I charge them over the sleepy winter. I want to make these last and just double checking what I see as I charge them. I know, from reading these forums that a load test is needed to determine what the battery can do when it is put to work. Thanks again Ike