Lead acid chargers questions...

Hey Guys,

Is it normal for a 48v lead acid charger to output 58.8v?
I always thought it was lower than Li Ion...
It's 14.7v per 12v, is that normal?

Also, why do many lead acid charger sellers write a range of amp hours that the charger can charge at?

I need a charger for a 38Ah 48v setup...

Btw, is there a difference between li ion and lead acid chargers other than the voltage? is the charging cycle different? does it slow down at the top with lead acid like it is with li ion?

Ive always, perhaps wrongly, worked with 14.2-14.4 as being target V for a 12V battery.
56.8-57.6

tomjasz said:

Ive always, perhaps wrongly, worked with 14.2-14.4 as being target V for a 12V battery.
56.8-57.6

Click to expand...

...and that's best for all lead/acid batteries as well. It's a level that's between "float voltages" and "equalization voltages". Deep-cycle's will have heavy plates and added space below cells to allow for extended lifetime and plate shedding due to heavy charge rates and extended recharging from deep discharges. They can benefit from higher "equalization voltage" cycles occasionally to reduce sulfating plate surfaces. The best deep-cycle chargers being an automated sensing, 4-stage charger. The durable construction also makes deep-cycles the heaviest of lead/acid batteries.

The range of charge rates allows one to select what may be best based upon the particular lead/acid battery construction you have,... deep-cycle, marine types, starting/cranking automotive types, glass-mats and gells, the latter ones best charged at lower rates. Most today are "automated", because many have little knowledge of proper battery care, even though they've been around for over a century!!!! Automated lead-acid chargers aren't the best for any particular battery, but are "general" enough to safely charge all lead-acid batteries.

"Sealed" or valve-regulated glass-mats and gells are popular and common for safety reasons,... but IMO, are the worst choice for anything but LIGHT "rechargeable backup" use.

Great, thanks alot guys for the info