If your battery charger is of the type that tapers the charge rate as the
battery reaches full charge, which most do, I see no problem with charging
the battery in place. After all, that's what the generator/alternator does.
But, if you have a charger that produces a constant current, despite voltage
of the battery, then I would be careful. 16 VDC won't help vehicles with
onboard computers, electric clocks and other expensive, voltage sensitive
equipment. Plus, it will boil the battery electrolyte. Whenever I use a
large size charger on tractor batteries, I usually monitor the voltage and
change the charge position from high to low as the battery reaches 14 volts,
or so. The only advantage of disconnecting the battery (remember, disconnect
the ground first and connect it last) is that it gives you a chance to clean
it down and clean the battery compartment.
Alex Thomson
-----Original Message-----
From: triumphs-bounces@autox.team.net
[mailto:triumphs-bounces@autox.team.net] On Behalf Of
KingsCreekTrees@aol.com
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2012 2:43 PM
To: triumphs@autox.team.net
Subject: [TR] Off topic electrical question
Hi all;
Perhaps someone can settle an argument between my son and I?
When charging a car battery, I was always told to disconnect the battery
terminals first, then connect the charger. My son, who is 23, NEVER
disconnects the battery when connecting a charger to any car. He things the
principle of having to disconnects is pointless. I have since found out that
his practice seems commonplace among his generation.
Anyone got any thoughts?
Tim
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