Lead acid charging uses a voltage-based algorithm that is similar to lithium-ion. The charge time of a sealed lead acid battery is 12–16 hours, up to 36–48 hours for large stationary batteries.
Lead acid is sluggish and cannot be charged as quickly as other battery systems. Lead acid batteries should be charged in three stages, which are constant- current charge, topping charge and float charge.
Lead acid batteries must always be stored in a charged state. A topping charge should be applied every six months to prevent the voltage from dropping below 2.10V/ cell. With AGM, these requirements can be somewhat relaxed.
The charge time is 12–16 hours and up to 36–48 hours for large stationary batteries. With higher charge currents and multi-stage charge methods, the charge time can be reduced to 8–10 hours; however, without full topping charge. Lead acid is sluggish and cannot be charged as quickly as other battery systems. (See BU-202: New Lead Acid Systems)
We’ve put together a list of all the dos and don’ts to bear in mind when charging and using lead-acid batteries. Apply a saturated charge to prevent sulfation taking place. With this type of battery, you can keep the battery on charge as long as you have the correct float voltage.
Apply a saturated charge to prevent sulfation taking place. With this type of battery, you can keep the battery on charge as long as you have the correct float voltage. For larger batteries, a full charge can take up to 14 or 16 hours and your batteries should not be charged using fast charging methods if possible.