How Do You Test Deep-Cycle Batteries With A Volt Meter?
When boating season approaches, the “fitting out” work on your boat begins. Not only does fitting out mean working with a paint brush or fiberglass, but it also means preparing your boat’s electrical system for the coming voyages. As part of these preparations, you need to check your deep-cycle battery to ensure that it’s fully charged and capable of powering not only your stereo but your navigation lights and GPS receiver as well. A voltmeter will give you the answers you need about your battery’s condition. Set the voltmeter to the appropriate range unless the voltmeter self-selects the range and type of voltage. Deep-cycle boat batteries provide DC current from zero to 24 volts. Bleed the residual charge from the battery by turning on your boat’s lights, radio and electronics for one minute. Turn the lights and other electrical and electronic devices off. Touch the red probe to the positive post of the battery and the black probe to the negative post of the battery, making good cont
