Charger and battery

The most important property of a battery charger is that it reaches the exact voltage during the charging cycle. If the voltage is too high, the battery boils. The battery then becomes unusable due to dried-out cells and crevice corrosion, which occur when there’s high acid concentration and overheating during charging. If the voltage is too low, you end up with an incompletely charged battery that will lose more and more capacity until it gradually becomes unusable.

Battery chargers and equipment

Interruptions and ripple from voltage and current can destroy sensitive equipment connected to the battery, such as:

  • Radio equipment in cars.
  • Tele equipment in caravans.
  • GPS and navigation instruments in boats.
  • Sensitive equipment in rescue vehicles.
  • Data and control boxes.

Battery chargers and governmental requirements

ce-mark.gifIn the EU, all battery chargers must be CE marked. Third party testing and approval of equipment is required for your safety.

CTEK battery chargers are tested and approved by Intertek SEMKO AB and UL.

Battery chargers and safety

Battery chargers are often used in damp and dusty environments, such as:

  • Outdoors
  • In garages
  • In caravans and campers
  • In harbours and on boats

Whenever you’re using a battery charger outdoors, you must use a charger that’s approved for outdoor use. All CTEK battery chargers are approved for outdoor use (IP65 and IP44).