trickle chargers keep dying.

[ToyotaDave]

I have a generator that i keep a trickle charger on and after about 2 months the trickle charger will die. I have had this happen twice now and it makes no sense at all.

So i need to buy another charger the first one was hulkman brand and the second was battery tender brand they both do nothing when power is applied now. It seems to only happen on this generator as i use trickle chargers on my ATV and Tractor and they never have a issue.

 

[ctechbob]

When you start the generator, ,do you leave the charger attached?

I killed a couple Noco Genius 1's when I would start the cars they are attached to with them still hooked up. Since then I've always made sure to take them off before starting. Whether that was the actual cause or not, I don't know, but I haven't killed one since.

 

[JHZR2]

I’ve had some installed and on for years. I think the reverse power question is a good thing to look into. I’d have my doubts that it is the cause, but it’s worth looking into…

 

[Number_35]

I've installed two NOCO Genius 1100 chargers in the engine compartment -both died prematurely, I presume from the heat.

(OP, I realize this wouldn't be a factor in your application.)

 

[330indy]

I've killed a CTEK by accidentally leaving it connected upon engine start....

 

[xspeedy]

Instead of those newer ones that are plastic and with compact electronics, try the older style that are housed in a metal box. These appear to be more durable and also have a longer warranty.

Amazon

 

[Donald]

Whole house generators that start when there is a power failure or during a weekly test need a battery maintainer that can stay connected when the engine starts. There must be some out there.

Email the company for Battery Minder and ask them which model to use in your application.

 

[ToyotaDave]

When you start the generator, ,do you leave the charger attached?

I killed a couple Noco Genius 1's when I would start the cars they are attached to with them still hooked up. Since then I've always made sure to take them off before starting. Whether that was the actual cause or not, I don't know, but I haven't killed one since.

No i unplug it, the cord is not long enough to leave it plugged in and start it up.

 

[ToyotaDave]

I’ve had some installed and on for years. I think the reverse power question is a good thing to look into. I’d have my doubts that it is the cause, but it’s worth looking into…

They are both keyed so you really can't.

 

[ToyotaDave]

Whole house generators that start when there is a power failure or during a weekly test need a battery maintainer that can stay connected when the engine starts. There must be some out there.

Email the company for Battery Minder and ask them which model to use in your application.

It's actually just a small portable inverter generator. I try to run it every few months and only use non ethanol gas in it.

 

[Donald]

It's actually just a small portable inverter generator. I try to run it every few months and only use non ethanol gas in it.

Boats in a slip are likely to run the engines while shore power (and a battery charger) are connected.

 

[zzyzzx]

Battery Tender Jr does have a diode to prevent reverse current. Yes I asked. So even starting with it attached should be fine.
My only real issue with the Battery Tender Jr is that I stepped on it and broke the case. I will probably take the PC board and put it in a regular metal case, complete with power cord and switch at some point.

 

[f355spider]

Get this Battery Minder branded one. Has automatic temperature compensation too.
Five year warranty, save the receipt

https://www.northerntool.com/produc...f4Q8DToUS1vPHw6cAbGgAMZVp0#hotbar-description

If you order online, they have various coupons offered when you first register.
Shipping is around $10. Order more stuff and get free shipping over $49.

 

[SubieRubyRoo]

They are both keyed so you really can't.

I think he meant the direction of current flow, not the orientation of the plug.

One would think they could put a diode in each wire to ensure there was never a reversal?

 

[Langanobob]

Get this Battery Minder branded one. Has automatic temperature compensation too.
Five year warranty, save the receipt

https://www.northerntool.com/produc...f4Q8DToUS1vPHw6cAbGgAMZVp0#hotbar-description

If you order online, they have various coupons offered when you first register.
Shipping is around $10. Order more stuff and get free shipping over $49.

I’ve also had good performance from Battery Minder products. I did kill one after many years but it was due to physical damage.

 

[zzyzzx]

I think he meant the direction of current flow, not the orientation of the plug.

One would think they could put a diode in each wire to ensure there was never a reversal?

The whole incorrect polarity isn't necessarily about protecting electronics if it's connected backwards. It's about that AND somehow notifying the user that they need to swap their connections. The latter is more important to the marketing people at the places that make these things.

 

[SubieRubyRoo]

The whole incorrect polarity isn't necessarily about protecting electronics if it's connected backwards. It's about that AND somehow notifying the user that they need to swap their connections. The latter is more important to the marketing people at the places that make these things.

I didn’t mean anything about connecting it backwards. I meant to stop the surge when starting the vehicle while connected that seems to be the root cause of the charger failures.

 

[zzyzzx]

I didn’t mean anything about connecting it backwards. I meant to stop the surge when starting the vehicle while connected that seems to be the root cause of the charger failures.

The surge from the charger should be regulated by the charger as to not exceed anything that could potentially hurt it. If it doesn't it's a poor or cheap design.