Please guide me to recharge a battery

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of recharging a 12-volt, 2.3Ah scooter battery that is significantly discharged, currently measuring around 3 volts. Participants explore safety concerns, charging methods, and the implications of using an adapter not specifically designed for battery charging.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the type of battery, suggesting it may be a lead-acid battery, and question whether the adapter is suitable for charging.
  • Concerns are raised about the safety of charging a deeply discharged battery with a 12V source, with warnings that it may not achieve a full charge.
  • There is a suggestion that charging at 2A may be too fast for a flat battery, with recommendations for a lower current to avoid damage.
  • One participant proposes using a series light bulb rated at 12V and 0.2A to limit current during charging, which is echoed by others as a protective measure.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the battery's viability after being discharged to 3 volts, noting potential damage to the plates.
  • There are discussions about the importance of following manufacturer instructions for charging and maintenance, with a reminder to check the battery specifications.
  • One participant reports that after charging for two hours, the battery voltage increased to 10.8V but also mentions a boiling noise during charging, raising further concerns.
  • Questions arise about the accuracy of the battery's voltage rating and the implications of charging under incorrect conditions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the potential risks associated with charging the battery and the importance of using appropriate charging methods. However, there is no consensus on the battery's condition or the best approach to take moving forward, as some believe it may be salvageable while others think it is likely damaged.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include uncertainty about the battery's specifications and condition, as well as the lack of clarity regarding the adapter's suitability for charging. Participants express varying opinions on the ideal charging current and duration, reflecting differing experiences and interpretations of safety practices.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals seeking guidance on charging lead-acid batteries, particularly those who are troubleshooting issues with deeply discharged batteries or using non-standard charging equipment.

Student12
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Hi Guys. I am trying to charge my scooter's battery which is : 12 volts 2.3ah
The battery currently has around 3 volts.
I am charging it with an adapter : 12 volts 2.0ah
Can you help me how long would it take to charge and is it safe for me..
Thanks.
 
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Student12 said:
Hi Guys. I am trying to charge my scooter's battery which is : 12 volts 2.3ah
The battery currently has around 3 volts.
I am charging it with an adapter : 12 volts 2.0ah
Can you help me how long would it take to charge and is it safe for me..
Thanks.
Welcome to the PF. :smile:

That sounds like the battery is pretty badly discharged. What type is it? Lead-acid?

Is your adapter made specifically for charging this type of battery? Are you certain it says "12 volts 2.0ah"? More likely it says 12V at 2A max output?
 
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BTW, beyond any safety issues, recharging a 12V lead-acid battery with a 12V source will not give you a very full charge.
 
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If the battery is only showing 3 volts measured at the terminals then it's almost completely flat.
How long it will take to charge will depend on the exact type of battery and what condition it is in.
You should be safe with a 12v charger regulated to deliver 2 amps.
Never ever consider charging with higher voltage or unregulated adapter in an attempt to get it charged faster.
 
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Actually I believe the recommended charge time for a flat battery is something like 12 hours, so that a current of 0.2 amps would be ideal. 2 A seems a bit fast. If using 2A then do not exceed the charge time of about 1 hour.
 
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berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF. :smile:

That sounds like the battery is pretty badly discharged. What type is it? Lead-acid?

Is your adapter made specifically for charging this type of battery? Are you certain it says "12 volts 2.0ah"? More likely it says 12V at 2A max output?
Yes its a lead battery and the adapter is not specified for charging i m using it on my own and it say its 12v 2a...
 
Student12 said:
Yes its a lead battery and the adapter is not specified for charging i m using it on my own and it say its 12v 2a...
tech99 said:
Actually I believe the recommended charge time for a flat battery is something like 12 hours, so that a current of 0.2 amps would be ideal. 2 A seems a bit fast. If using 2A then do not exceed the charge time of about 1 hour.
tech99's warning is a good one. For such a flat battery, charging it at full speed does not seem wise...
 
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Use the charger supplied with the scooter.
 
CWatters said:
Use the charger supplied with the scooter.
My scooter is on petrol its battery generator is dead i believe so..
 
  • #10
Student12 said:
My scooter is on petrol its battery generator is dead i believe so..
I suggest putting a small bulb rated at about 12v 0.2 Amps in series and then charging for about 12 hours.
 
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  • #11
A 12V lead-acid battery that has discharged to 3 volts is very likely failed. Even dropping below ~ 10.2 V for a short time does some damage to the plates. But attempt a charge and hopefully you will get some life out of it. The series light bulb is a good idea - it will limit current and protect your power supply and the battery.

Why is it so low? Did it just sit unused for a while? Is the charger in the scooter OK?
 
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  • #12
OP says the charger in the scooter is probably broken, so he needs to charge the battery just to get the motor started.
If possible that charger in the scooter needs replacing, if lucky he can get something cheap but working from a vehicle scrap yard.
 
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  • #13
How long since the scooter was last used? If the battery has been left in a discharged state for many months, it may well be dead. Lead Acid cells last much better if their charge is kept topped up.
Do you have a meter to check the actual voltage on the battery on its own or when connected to your charging source?
You could perhaps find if the scooter charger works when pushing the scooter along and measuring the volts. (No good if it has an automatic gearbox.)
 
  • #14
I left the battery charging for almos 2 hours on the same 12v 2.3a adapter ..
The current voltage is 10.8v and when i try to charge it again it makes a noise like boiling..
 
  • #15
Student12 said:
I left the battery charging for almos 2 hours on the same 12v 2.3a adapter ..
The current voltage is 10.8v and when i try to charge it again it makes a noise like boiling..
Not a good thing. Why did you not use the trick with the series light bulb?
 
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  • #16
- It would be good to know the exact type of the battery. 2.3Ah sounds like sealed lead-acid?
- if so, then the maximal charge current for 2.3Ah battery should be something like 0.3-0.7A at most?
- actually, reviving it from 3V sounds like some bad zombie movie. I too think that the battery is done.
 
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  • #17
Did you ever read what it says on the side of the battery? They usually have instructions for charging conditions. BE sure to do that with the replacement you will need to buy.:wink:
 
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  • #18
Student12 said:
I left the battery charging for almos 2 hours on the same 12v 2.3a adapter ..
The current voltage is 10.8v and when i try to charge it again it makes a noise like boiling..
I think that it's good that it picked up some voltage (10.8V, in 2 hrs) but the boiling sound not a good sign! (You charged it full speed.) I would say it's either almost dying or , in case it can be revived, make sure you use it a bit (to lower the voltage) before you attempt further charging, to see also how it behaves, but make sure this time to use the series light bulb trick that tech99 and berkeman suggested:
tech99 said:
I suggest putting a small bulb rated at about 12v 0.2 Amps in series and then charging for about 12 hours.
berkeman said:
Not a good thing. Why did you not use the trick with the series light bulb?
I think there is a [small?] chance you might be able to save it, but then find what the ideal charging and maintenance instructions are and try to follow them more consistantly, or do that with your next battery ...

P.S. Also with that type of charging equipment and conditions that you followed I think you should have tried 45' min charging intervals (not even 1hr). That's why you should better use the series light bulb trick, if you have another chance ...
 
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  • #19
Student12 said:
I left the battery charging for almos 2 hours on the same 12v 2.3a adapter ..
The current voltage is 10.8v and when i try to charge it again it makes a noise like boiling..

Are you sure its a 12V battery ?
 
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  • #20
CWatters said:
Are you sure its a 12V battery ?
He must read what it says on the side but I would have hoped he would have done that already! It's dangerous to try to charge a battery with the wrong charging conditions.
 

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