If you have a portable generator, then you know that the battery is an important part of the unit. A dead battery can mean not being able to use your generator when you need it most. We will teach you how to charge a portable generator battery. Follow these steps and your generator will be up and running in no time!
Portable generators are a convenient way to have backup power in case of an outage, but they require some regular maintenance to keep them running properly. One important task is charging the battery. So the question is portable generator users is that how to charge a portable generator battery!
How to charge a portable generator battery?
When you get the portable generator out of storage, it’s a good idea to give it a thorough visual inspection. Look for anything unusual like cracks in the casing or leaks from the motor. Check that all the wheels are intact and that nothing is missing or damaged. Inspect wires, fuses, hinges, latches, screws, and bolts for any defects. Fix if possible before charging the battery.
1- Charging 12v batteries trickle charger
First, check the instruction manual of your generator for correct voltage requirements. And if you have any doubt regarding voltage requirement then contact with the service center. You also need to make sure that it has enough power to start when needed.
After you are sure that it is ok to charge the battery, plug in the trickle charger for between 10 to 24 hours. Whether or not your generator can start will depend on how discharged the battery is. For safety reasons never leave a charging battery unattended.
2- Charging 12v batteries with an automotive charger
Connect your automotive charger to your portable generator’s battery terminal. Your appliance should have come with the right cables and adaptor plugs for this type of connection. If there are none then you need to buy them separately.
Follow all manufacturer instructions carefully when choosing which adaptor plug works best with your portable generator, as some may require professional installation.
Steps for charging a portable generator battery:
1. Read the generator manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Do not let the battery power become low. Always keep it charged when the generator is not in use.
3. Put gas in the generator and let it run until it runs out. If the generator has a choke, turn it to the “run” position.
4. Allow the generator to cool down before refueling and continue running until it runs out of gas again.
5. Charge the battery for 3-5 hours using an AC adapter charger (on 12V models only).
6. Place a portable generator on a flat surface and remove the plastic cover from the generator’s battery. If you cannot see any battery, then this process does not apply to your unit.
7. Connect the negative terminal of the AC adapter charger to the black (-) or negative (-) terminal of the generator’s rechargeable 12V DC battery. Always refer to your generator’s owner’s manual to see which terminal is negative.
8. Connect the other end of the AC adapter charger to an electrical outlet that provides 120V AC power.
9. Wait for 3-5 hours or until you notice that your generator starts running again when you turn on a load, such as a light bulb or a radio. If you do not notice that load, then charge the battery for 5 hours.
10. Disconnect the AC adapter charger by first disconnecting it from the electrical outlet and then by disconnecting its positive (+) and negative (-) cables from the generator’s rechargeable 12V DC battery.
How to charge a generator battery in 8 hours?
It is going to be dependent on how big your generator’s battery is because that will determine how long it takes to charge it. Follow these steps:
• Make sure the unit is fully cool before starting the charging process. If you start this process when it is hot, you can damage the battery. If you are in a hurry, wait for it to cool down.
• Set your generator up outside or in a well-ventilated garage if possible. Gasoline fumes are very dangerous and they should not be allowed to build up in most cases.
• Remove the battery from your generator unit.
• Remove the caps from each cell and add distilled water to all of them. Distilled water is best, but regular tap water will do in a pinch. Each cell needs to be between the levels for maximum performance. You can tell where they were when you removed the caps. Replace the caps after adding the water.
• Connect your battery charger leads to your generator’s positive and negative posts, which are located on top of the battery (positive = red). Follow directions on your charger because many require you to plug it in before connecting it or disconnecting it from the battery posts. Keep in mind that some chargers will not turn off automatically and cannot be left connected indefinitely without causing damage to your generator’s battery and possible damage to the charger.
• Start your generator and let it run for a few hours, then unplug the charger and remove the leads from the battery posts before stopping your generator completely. Leave the leads connected to the generator’s posts when not in use. You can disconnect them if you need to move your generator for any reason though.
Conclusion:
It is going to depend on how big your generator’s battery is in this case. Charging a dead portable generator battery can take a while, but following these steps will get the job done. Now you know how to charge a portable generator battery!
FAQs:
Q 1) How do you charge a generator battery?
You can charge your generator’s battery by following these steps.
Q 2) Will it damage the generator to charge the battery without removing it first?
No, however, that is not how you are supposed to charge the battery. Simply follow these steps instead and your unit will be up and running in no time!
Q 3) What happens if I leave my charger connected when not using the portable generator?
If you do this for too long, then you can cause damage to your generator’s battery or charger depending on what kind of charger you have. Follow these steps instead so that doesn’t happen. You should also read your owner’s manual before charging any of your equipment!
Q 4) What does negative terminal mean?
Negative and positive terminals are where you attach your charger to your generator. The negative terminal is usually black and the positive terminal is red (or vice versa). Either one will work, but make sure you refer to the owner’s manual to find out which one is which for safety purposes.
Q 5) How long does it take to charge a portable generator battery?
It depends on the size of your unit’s battery and how low it was before charging. Following these steps will get the job done much quicker than just leaving it alone though! Keep that in mind next time you need to charge a dead generator’s battery. Now you know how!
