New charger protects batteries

Digital device keeps charge at optimum

By PH Staff / Friday, 1 September 2006 / Loading comments

Michelin digital battery charger

Michelin has launched a digital battery charger that it reckons won't damage the battery if incorrectly connected, and helps condition the battery.

With winter approaching, the tyre company would like us to believe that it's time already to think about battery chargers. Here's how the company reckons it works.

The Michelin high frequency smart charger protects the battery whilst charging it. When the charger is connected to the battery terminals by the heavy duty clamps and the charger is powered up, it first checks the battery condition and determines the correct charging cycle to return the battery to prime condition. The solid-state circuitry determines the correct variable charge rate whilst constantly monitoring the volts/amp condition of the battery. The charge condition is displayed on a large digital display with LED indicators showing the charge level whilst the charger is operating. The charger will not overcharge the battery and switches itself off when the optimum condition is achieved.

The charger has internal fans to increase cooling airflow to enhance efficiency and also has reverse polarity protection in case is wrongly connected initially. The charger senses that its positive is connected to the battery’s negative and will refuse to start until the fault is corrected. This is double protection for the charger and the battery.

Michelin said its charger meets all electrical safety standards and delivers premium performance. All leads are neatly stored in a compartment at the base of the charger.

It costs £59.99.