Is an AGM battery sensitive to overcharging?

As with all gelled and sealed units, AGM batteries are sensitive to overcharging. These batteries can be charged to 2.40V/cell (and higher) without problem; however, the float charge should be reduced to between 2.25 and 2.30V/cell (summer temperatures may require lower voltages).

How high can you charge an AGM battery?

The maximum charging current is 50 % for a gel battery, and 30 % for an AGM battery.

How do you keep AGM battery from overcharging?

Use the manufacturer's recommended charger

The manufacturer's charger ensures the delivery of the recommended voltage to the AGM battery without undercharging nor overcharging. When the wrong charger is used, it can cause sulfation to your AGM battery.

What is the main disadvantage of an AGM battery?

The main disadvantage of an AGM battery is the up-front cost, when compared to a traditional flooded lead-acid battery. That's it.

What happens if you overheat an AGM battery?

It's normal for AGM batteries to warm up while charging, and you can still use it to charge your other electrical devices. If your AGM battery is hot to the touch, however, then you have a potential problem. It's overheating while charging (and possibly being overused), so it needs a break.

How to Charge and Test Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries

What voltage is too high for AGM?

The only way to overcharge the agm is too force it to take more amps, you force it by increasing the voltage above 14.4 volts, at 15 volts or higher the acid starts to get hot and it will vent.

How hot can a AGM battery get?

TPPL AGM batteries, such as ODYSSEY® Extreme Series™ batteries, are designed specifically for high temperatures. They can reach up to 176°F (80°C) and not lose internal water, as the battery remains sealed during its operation.

What happens if you overcharge an AGM battery?

Overcharging an AGM battery can lead to reduced battery life. Many modern chargers allow you to select whether you're charging an AGM battery or a flooded cell option.

What is the life expectancy of an AGM car battery?

We can generally say an AGM battery can last two to three times as long as a flooded battery. In the commuter car example we referenced, if a flooded battery lasts three to five years, an AGM battery could last six to ten years or longer.

What causes AGM batteries to fail?

In time, AGM batteries (including OPTIMA batteries) may fail. Failures usually happen when a starting battery is used in a deep cycling application. In many cases, AGM batteries that seem to be bad are perfectly fine. They are just deeply discharged.

Should I leave my AGM battery on charge?

DO: Keep the battery as fully charged, as often as possible. No, these batteries do not develop a "memory" like some nickel-cadmium based batteries. Severely discharging and leaving the battery discharged can cause harm and shorten life in AGM batteries.

Can you leave an AGM battery on charger?

Remember the technology of an AGM battery is not the same as a gel battery, which has its own charging requirements. If the charger offers different modes, select the correct one for your battery. Using the gel setting to charge an AGM battery will not fully charge and over time will actually damage your AGM battery.

What kills an AGM battery?

Although AGM batteries do better in extreme temperatures than Flooded batteries, very high and low temperatures can damage batteries. Because of the loose liquid in a Flooded battery, temperatures extremes can, especially if prolonged, shorten the life of a battery by freezing or evaporating that liquid.

Can you charge an AGM battery too fast?

You can safely charge an AGM battery at the 5 hour rate, but it won't be fully charged in that time. At 0.2C (40A for a 200Ah battery) the battery should reach maximum voltage in less than 5 hours.

How many times can an AGM battery be charged?

The Concorde (and most AGM) batteries have no charge or discharge current limits. AGM's have a very low self-discharge - from 1% to 3% per month is usual. This means that they can sit in storage for much longer periods without charging than standard batteries.

How long should you charge a AGM battery?

The battery should be charged in 5 -6 hours using this type of charger, which is within the typical recommended manufacturer guidelines.

How do I extend my AGM battery life?

Do AGM batteries need to be discharged?

While regular lead acid batteries need a topping charge every six months to prevent the buildup of sulfation, AGM batteries are less prone to sulfation and can sit in storage for longer before a charge becomes necessary. The battery stands up well to low temperatures and has a low self-discharge.

How do I know if my AGM battery is healthy?

For best results on AGM/TPPL batteries, let the battery sit 10-12 hours to let the surface charge dissipate to obtain a proper voltage reading. For flooded batteries let the battery sit 30 minutes. If the voltage is ≥12.60V, proceed to the the testing below; otherwise, reject the battery.

What is the maximum charging voltage for a 12 volt AGM battery?

AGM batteries are designed for use with AGM battery chargers with a MAXIMUM output voltage of 2.4 volts per cell(14.4v for 12v batteries and 19.2v for 16v batteries). AT NO TIME during charging should the battery be subjected to more than 2.4 volts per cell.

What should a 12 volt AGM battery read when fully charged?

Measure and record: A fully charged standard AGM battery should have an output voltage of approximately 13 volts, just higher than the 12 volts likely to be labeled on the side of the battery. If the reading comes in below 10 volts, you need to let your battery recharge.

Can I use a trickle charger on an AGM battery?

Many GEL, AGM and Calcium's are better than regular lead-acid batteries but even so you should charge them back up regularly, or better still use a trickle charger (or solar panel) to keep them in top condition and extend their life.

Are AGM batteries temperature sensitive?

Winterizing your AGM battery

All batteries can freeze if it gets cold enough, but AGM batteries can work at temperatures well below freezing. Although AGM batteries are maintenance-free and work well in cold weather, they still need to be checked and maintained during the winter months in storage.

Can you overcharge a deep cycle battery?

Yes, the deep cycle batteries can be overcharged. The amps that are used for charging these batteries decide whether the battery will be overcharged or not.

What should a 6 volt AGM battery read when fully charged?

A battery is made up of a number of cells, and the lead acid chemistry dictates a fully charged voltage of about 2.12 volts per cell. Thus, a nominal 6 volt battery has three cells with a full charge voltage of 6.3 to 6.4 volts, and a 12 volt battery has six cells, and a full charge voltage of 12.7 volts.