Float voltage
Encyclopedia
Float voltage is the constant voltage
that is applied continuously to a voltaic cell to maintain the cell in a fully charged condition. The appropriate float voltage varies significantly with the chemistry and construction of the battery, and ambient temperature. With the appropriate voltage for the battery type and with proper temperature compensation, a float charger may be kept connected indefinitely without damaging the battery.
With a 6-cell (nominal 12V) lead–acid battery accepted float voltages are Gel 13.05V, Flooded 13.4V and AGM 13.6V (@ 25°C). Compensation of approximately -5 mV per degree of temperature change per cell are necessary. For example a 12V (6 cell) battery at 30°C (+5°C change):
-5mV * 6 cells * +5°C change = -150mV
13.4 (flooded battery float) + (-150mV) = 13.25V
Not compensating for temperature will shorten battery life by over or under charging.
Voltage
Voltage, otherwise known as electrical potential difference or electric tension is the difference in electric potential between two points — or the difference in electric potential energy per unit charge between two points...
that is applied continuously to a voltaic cell to maintain the cell in a fully charged condition. The appropriate float voltage varies significantly with the chemistry and construction of the battery, and ambient temperature. With the appropriate voltage for the battery type and with proper temperature compensation, a float charger may be kept connected indefinitely without damaging the battery.
With a 6-cell (nominal 12V) lead–acid battery accepted float voltages are Gel 13.05V, Flooded 13.4V and AGM 13.6V (@ 25°C). Compensation of approximately -5 mV per degree of temperature change per cell are necessary. For example a 12V (6 cell) battery at 30°C (+5°C change):
-5mV * 6 cells * +5°C change = -150mV
13.4 (flooded battery float) + (-150mV) = 13.25V
Not compensating for temperature will shorten battery life by over or under charging.