charging varley red top

[JP_Midget]

I'm trying to find out whether Varley Red Top batteries require charging in any way other than standard. I don't have the battery with me, so can't see if there is any clue on it, and can't find any details so far in all the info out there on the net. It's a RT30, in case that makes a difference.

Does anyone here know? I'm wondering whether it should be charged as a gel battery, or standard, or something else!

Many thanks,
J

[rude-boy]

A quick google would seem to suggest a 3 stage charger is the tool for the job.

[JP_Midget]

I'm pretty sure the charger I have is a 3-stage one, but it as two settings; gel or standard, and from the description of gel batteries I think the red tops must be gel, but cannot find anything that says yes they are or no they aren't!

I used to think batteries were batteries.

[skeggysteve]

Long time since I used Varleys but if any battery is 'sealed' it needs to charged slowly.

One way of looking at it is that all batteries, wet, gel or sealed lead acid, give off gas as they are charged.
Wet vents to the atmosphere.
Sealed and the gas is absorbed back into the gel etc.
Some have one way valves - but I've never seen one that works well.

If you charge a sealed battery too quickly ie to high amp charger, the gas will have no where to go.

[spectatorsam]

alwys charged mine with a regular old battery charger!??
the alternator is not special , is there a reason why the battery charger should be?

[anonymous-user]

They are a gel battery, best results are found with a 3 stage charger of 8A max on full charge. DMS make a great charger for these that gives an initial boost if needed, followed by a steady charge until full then an auto trickle when needed. Dont ever boost charge them with a conventional charger, also dont leave them in a discharged state even if disconected, always fully recharge after use as soon as posible, then it can sit on the shelf for a long time without use without suffering damage.

[JP_Midget]

Thanks for your replies, confirms what I feared. It has been charged for me a few times by people who should know, but last time out it didn't seem to be performing well.