Trickle Charger vs Battery Tender: Understanding the Difference
The terms 'trickle charger' and 'battery tender' are often used interchangeably, but there are important distinctions between the two that can significantly impact the longevity and health of your batteries. This article will explore the functionalities, outputs, and appropriate uses of both techniques, helping you choose the right tool for your needs.
Understanding Trickle Chargers
Function: A trickle charger delivers a constant, low charge to a battery.
Output: Typically, a trickle charger provides a fixed voltage and current, which can lead to overcharging if left connected for an extended period. This overcharging can degrade the battery and shorten its lifespan.
Use: Trickle chargers are ideal for keeping small, less frequently used batteries such as those in electronic devices or backup systems charged over extended periods.
The Role of Battery Tenders
Function: A battery tender is a type of smart charger designed to maintain a battery's charge without overcharging.
Output: Battery tenders automatically adjust the charge based on the battery's needs. Once the battery is fully charged, the charger transitions to a maintenance mode, ensuring the battery remains at its optimum charge level.
Use: Perfect for maintaining batteries in vehicles that are not used frequently, such as motorcycles, classic cars, and other infrequently driven vehicles. Battery tenders are particularly beneficial for preventing overcharging, which can ruin a battery.
The Botched Experience and the Importance of Battery Tenders
From personal experience, improperly using a trickle charger can lead to significant problems. One instance stands out where a 1.5 amp trickle charger was mistakenly used to keep the battery of a rarely used truck charged. After a few months, the truck's battery was discovered to be completely dry and ruined. This unfortunate event highlights the critical importance of using the right charging device.
Key Differences and Best Practices
Small Current but No Overcharging Control: A typical trickle charger operates with a small, fixed current. If left connected, it can cause overcharging. Overcharging can lead to electrolyte loss and premature battery failure. Overcharging transformers lead current into the battery even when it is fully charged, causing damage.
Sensing Circuitry and Float Voltage: Battery tenders, on the other hand, are equipped with sensing circuitry that monitors the battery's state of charge and transitions to a lower voltage maintenance mode once the battery is fully charged. This feature is crucial for maintaining a battery at its peak performance without the risk of overcharging.
When to Use a Battery Tender
To ensure your battery remains in optimal condition, especially for infrequently used vehicles or equipment, a battery tender is highly recommended. These devices are designed to deliver a small charging current and then reduce the voltage to a lower level to avoid overcharging. They are often marketed as battery tenders and may be referred to as smart chargers capable of maintaining "float voltage."
Example of a Battery Tender
Example: Battery Tender Junior (12V, 750mA) - This battery charger is specifically designed for long-term use, making it ideal for maintaining the charge of a rarely used vehicle or piece of equipment. It features advanced sensing circuitry that ensures the battery remains at its optimal charge level without risking overcharging.
Conclusion
In summary, while both trickle chargers and battery tenders serve the purpose of keeping batteries charged, battery tenders are generally more sophisticated and safer for long-term use. Their ability to avoid overcharging makes them a better choice, especially for critical applications where a battery's longevity is paramount.
Key Takeaways:
Trickle chargers deliver constant low current but risk overcharging. Battery tenders automatically adjust charge levels to prevent overcharging. Battery tenders are more suitable for long-term use in infrequently used vehicles. Look for chargers with "float voltage" capability for the best performance.