By LAWRENCE NEILL  •  contributing author |  1 JAN 2017.

The marketplace for battery chargers is currently a very confusing place. The customer must distinguish between numerous output ratings, prices, and charge time claims. To further confuse the issue, different chargers are rated for “Marine” and some for “RV”, and others for special market applications. And, to top it all off, manufacturers throw in terms like “microprocessor controlled”, “Bulk Charge”, and “multi-step charging”, leaving the consumer to discover for themselves just what these terms even mean. In an effort to push through the clutter and assist you in selecting the right battery charger for your needs, we have compiled a Battery Charger Buyer’s Checklist – a list of question and answers that demonstrate why KISAE’s line of ABSO battery chargers is the right fit for most charger buyers.

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Does it provide the best method for charging batteries?

Battery experts and battery manufacturers recommend that deep-cycle lead-acid batteries be charged with a three step charge sequence to provide a fast, accurate charge. The ABSO line of Battery Chargers follows this recommended sequence.

Will it charge my batteries quickly?

ABSO battery chargers deliver their full rated charging current for the much of the charging cycle. The chargers only reduce their charging current below their rated continuous amperage when the battery is approaching full capacity charge. In fact, ABSO battery chargers actually charge batteries faster than many older technology taper chargers with twice the rated output.

Can I leave the charger connected all the time?

ABSO is a true “connect-and-forget” battery charger. Once the ABSO charger has completed its charging cycle, it drops its output to a safe “float” voltage to maintain the battery’s charge. Many other multi-step chargers are easily fooled into delivering an improper charge, which can damage your batteries.

Many multi-step smart chargers detect completion of the charging cycle when charging current drops below a threshold value.  These chargers will keep charging indefinitely at a dangerously high charging voltage if a load connected to the battery draws more than this threshold value. ABSO’s microprocessor isn’t fooled as easily. Unlike others, ABSO monitors charging voltage, current, and time, to make a truly smart decision about when to stop charging.

Another great ABSO feature is the 21-day top-up cycle. Every 21 days, the charger will start another 3-step charging cycle. This is great for boaters during off season with their boat in dry dock.

Does it take hours to install? Is it difficult to use?

User-friendliness and ease of operation set the KISAE ABSO line of chargers apart from the competition. ABSO battery chargers can be permanently installed within minutes and their compact size means they can be mounted almost anywhere.

The LED display provides an easy-to-read indication of charging current and battery status. The simple set-up sequence allows you to quickly configure your ABSO battery charger for different battery chemistry types and charging conditions.

Is the manufacturer playing the ratings game?

Many chargers on the market only deliver their rated charging current for a short initial part of the charge cycle, producing significantly less current than their rated output over most parts of the charge. Look closely at the specifications on the charger – if they talk about “de-rated” charge output, or show graphs of tapering charge current over time in Bulk mode, you’ll know that their ratings are decidedly optimistic! The continuous rating of the ABSO chargers provides an accurate measure of the charging current available.

Does it have a good warranty?

The warranty for all ABSO battery chargers is two-year, straight exchange. You can simply return your charger to your place of purchase for a brand new unit.

(See KISAE Battery Chargers)