How To Charge A Generator Battery: Essential Tips

The battery is a significant component of your generator set. Most of the failures in generator operation are attributed to dysfunctional batteries.

Proper handling and regular maintenance of batteries will give you no reason to worry about starting your generator, especially during a power outage or an emergency.

To know more why a generator battery is important, read on.

Also, you will learn how to charge a generator battery and essential tips on maintenance. Plus, we will give you a quick method on how to charge a battery using your generator.

Let’s start.

Functions Of Your Generator Battery

Primarily, the role of your generator battery is to energize your generator engine starter when a power outage occurs. If you would notice, it takes a few seconds for your generator to start during an outage.

While it helps start your generator, the battery also provides power to the digital control panel. Also, it keeps ancillary panes running. If there is a secondary battery set used in an enclosure, your primary battery source also provides it with backup power.

While the generator battery does all these things, its condition could deteriorate as lead sulfates accumulate on its plates. Thus, you should always take time to check on this component and perform necessary maintenance precautions to keep it functional.

Proper Maintenance Of A Generator Battery

The importance of a generator battery cannot be downplayed. Here, we will share the essentials of battery maintenance.

1. Check the battery water level as it tends to decrease while in use or not. Low water levels damage your battery. Add distilled water whenever it is necessary.
   
   
2. Keep battery terminals tight and clean as gaps between these terminals or poles are created during operation. Also, apply a protection product to prevent oxidation between these gaps.
   
   
3. Conduct voltage tests regularly. Connect the positive and negative poles to a multimeter in the DC voltage position. The result should not be less than 12V. A number less than this means your battery will not be able to provide power to the generator engine starter. Replace the battery if you encounter this problem.
   
   
4. Do not let the generator sit for too long as it harms the battery. Start the generator periodically to keep your battery functional.

Avoid exposing your generator battery to high temperatures. Also, whenever you are handling your generator battery, make sure that you disconnect it first.

Remember that every time the engine is running or when a battery charger is connected to the mains, your generator battery is being charged. Once charged, the battery should be between 12.4V to 12.6V volts.

How To Charge Deep Cycle Batteries With A Gas Generator

Now that we have discussed your generator’s battery, let us proceed with another battery talk.

Can you charge batteries with a generator? Definitely.

Before you proceed to charge, you should assess your deep cycle battery first. Non-sealed batteries should be filled with distilled water to the full mark inside each battery cell. Clean any spilled acid or corrosion. You should do this periodically.

Also, make sure that your generator is full of gasoline. Also, check the oil levels.

1. Start the generator. Allow it to warm up.
   
   
2. Connect the battery charger clips to the battery terminals. For depleted batteries, use a three-stage battery charger to provide them with a higher charge rate; slightly-discharged batteries should have a medium-rate charge.
   
   
3. Plug the charger into the 120-volt outlet of your generator. Inspect the charger condition light to determine the status of the battery charger.

How fast will a generator charge a battery? It depends on the battery’s discharge rate and the size of the generator. A 1,000-watt generator can fully charge a depleted 12V 100 amp-hour lead-acid battery within 3-4 hours.

Conclusion

How to charge a generator battery is simple and cost-effective. So, keep your batteries in check to prevent damage. Also, when charging batteries with your generator, always observe safety precautions.