Why your Marine Battery Charger Not Charging?
Batteries for boats are important to be in a working stature, otherwise don’t imagine being stranded in the middle of the water, just because your marine battery charger has gone off track. Therefore, it is suggested to not imagine that and acknowledge this thorough guide about the common problems of marine battery chargers. If you are worried that your marine battery is not lasting the way it should be then this is the time to diagnose your marine battery charger. Likewise, in this way, if you are not willing to buy a new one, then figuring the problem might help you in repairing it by yourself. These troubles are subtle and can come with little mismanagement.
Inadequate Power Source
The power source for the battery should be up to a suitable power potential. If you have noticed some problems in the charging or in the lasting factor of the battery, then initially the proper way to configure the culprit is to check the source. Check how much voltage it is providing—whether it is up to the requirements of the battery or not.
Cure: Put a stabilizer before the marine battery charger, and customize the power source according to the requirements, this will charge the battery adequately.
Moisture Sneaked In
Batteries and chargers are sensitive to moisture. Now, is it possible to separate a boat from the moisture? No! this is the most common problem that is caused in any of the marine battery chargers—the mist particles might sneak inside the circuit (because of any leaked or improper seal). This might cause a short circuit in the charger making it faulty.
Cure: is to unscrew it and wash the board with dedicated board cleaners (this will work if the charger is not burnt).
Fuse Blown
The fuse blew in the portable marine battery charger is likewise a common problem. This happens when the circuit draws more amperage than the fuse is design to handle. In the meaner while, if the problem is some sort of shot, then the larger fuse may heat up the wiring to the point—where it starts to melt and cause a fire.
Cure
- Unscrew the charger.
- Locate the fuse on the marine battery charger
- Open the fuse cover.
- Gently remove the fuse from the holder.
- Put a relevant replacement fuse in the holder.
- Put back the fuse cover.
- Screw back the cover.
- Check the charger. (If still not working, then check the fuse connection)
Cut Spark
Most of the time, the wire of the battery charger is facing some damage while plugging in or out—traveling, rubbing to some sharp edges. This might collide wires with different potential differences, causing the fuse to blow and in some cases—starting fires.
Cure
- Check the point, where there are cut.
- If the charger is not burnt,—replace that segment of wire.
- If the spark was in the connector, check if it gets replaced.
Faulty Charging Systems
The internal charging system of your portable marine battery can be the culprit behind the reason that the marine charger is not charging the battery.
Cure
- Unscrew the battery charger, spot the culprit.
- Check the fuse.
- Check any short circuit.
- If there are not any of the related culprits, call in a professional.
- Or replace the marine battery charger.
Faulty Installation
The faulty installation of the marine battery charger can make put the battery in a menace. If you have noticed that your battery is not getting charged properly then check the placement of the charger. Most of the time, this is caused when the process is done by any novice.
Cure
- Check the whole installation setup.
- Check the connectors.
- Check the insertion points.
- Check the main switch.
- Check the power source.
- Check the battery switches.
- If you still can’t find the culprit, call in a professional.
Common Mistakes While Using Your Marine Battery or Charger
There are some common mistakes that most people do while charging their portable marine battery.
Undercharging
Undercharging mainly occurs when the battery is not able to pursue its full potential even after the full charge. This might happen when you just store the battery with a partial charge, it can cause sulfating.
Sulfation: The formation of lead sulfate on the battery plates decreases the performance of the battery.
Prevention
- Optimally charge the battery and keep a look over the status of the battery.
- Don’t store the battery with a partial charge, either store it with a full one.
Overcharging
Overcharging is another culprit you might be performing with your best portable marine battery. This makes the battery losing its potential. Overcharging cause:
- Corrosion of positive battery plates
- The lower level of water
- Increase in temperature damages the battery
Prevention:
- Make sure you charge your battery, after each discharge of 50%.
- Identify your charger potential and speed.
- Know the time of the battery, when will it gets fully charged.
Underwatering
You may think you have filled up your battery with water recently, but that may not be up to the point, or you may have but as the battery consumes water during the charging process—the level may get lowered. Now, the lower water level decreases the level of electrolyte, this can damage the battery to an irreparable extent.
- Using the battery with underwater stature might elevate the water cause sulfation.
Prevention:
- Refrain from overcharging and check your water levels properly and timely.
- More usage will require more frequent water level checks.
- In warm environments, be keener about the water cells.
Overwatering
As excess of everything is bad, thus it is best to conceal the amount of water you are putting inside the battery. There is an optimal sweet spot of water level, it is best to conceal the factor and pour only what is necessary, don’t blend in the courtesy of gut.
- The over-watered battery loses performance as the electrolytes become diluted.
Prevention:
- Maintain a level of around ½ inch above the top of the plates.
- Check water level as often.
Conclusion
Taking care of little acts, such as charging your marine battery with any of the best marine battery chargers might need proper techniques and watch-overs. The whole discussion lies around the factor in putting your battery and the charger at an optimum condition. We have busted the common faults that come in a charger and likewise, the common human errors. These mistakes damage the battery; thus, it is best to put them in the case study and eliminate them as soon as possible, otherwise, you might reach a stage where you need to replace the whole set. The troubles like; overcharging, undercharging, over and under-watering are regularly observed that decreases the whole maneuver of working. On the other hand, the culprits that these mistakes causes and likewise, the cure for all these problems are enlisted.