What are typer chargers?
These are normally used on surface motive power batteries and can be either air or oil cooled. As illustrated below the current in a taper charger falls (or tapers) as the charge proceeds and the battery voltage rises. The charge starts at the ‘first rate’ for an undefined period until 2.35 volts per cell is reached. For this period the starting current should be: Battery Ampere hours (Ah) 7.2 = Amperes The charger control senses the cell voltage and at 2.35 volts per cell activates the ‘second rate’ usually for a period of 3-4 hours after which the unit switches off. Battery manufacturers normally specify the maximum charge current at 2.5 volts per cell as follows: Battery Ah 12 = Amperes Many taper chargers have an automatic equalize facility, but sometimes the equalize charge is set manually by a switch. Equalize charging current should be: Battery Ah 30 = Amperes It usually takes about 12 hours for a taper charger to charge a fully discharged battery. WARNING ! The taper charger is
