When performing a charger test for sealed lead acid batteries, the voltage should be _________ volts per cell +/- 0.02 volts?

When performing a charger test for sealed lead acid batteries, the voltage should be _________ volts per cell +/- 0.02 volts?

• A. 2.1
• B. 2.2
• C. 2.3
• D. 2.4

Answer: (C)

The test looks at charging voltage per cell because sealed lead-acid cells are charged by applying a voltage that rises each cell to about 2.3 volts during charging. This level provides enough electrical push to charge the plates while keeping gas formation under control, which is important for a sealed (VRLA) battery. With six cells in a typical 12V battery, that works out to roughly 13.8 volts for the whole pack. The tolerance of ±0.02 volts means you should read between about 2.28 and 2.32 volts per cell. Choosing around 2.3 volts per cell avoids undercharging that would occur at lower voltages (like 2.1) and overcharging that could happen at higher voltages (like 2.4), which can cause excessive gassing and reduce battery life. A per-cell check ensures each cell in the pack is charging evenly, which is why this value is used.

The test looks at charging voltage per cell because sealed lead-acid cells are charged by applying a voltage that rises each cell to about 2.3 volts during charging. This level provides enough electrical push to charge the plates while keeping gas formation under control, which is important for a sealed (VRLA) battery. With six cells in a typical 12V battery, that works out to roughly 13.8 volts for the whole pack. The tolerance of ±0.02 volts means you should read between about 2.28 and 2.32 volts per cell.

Choosing around 2.3 volts per cell avoids undercharging that would occur at lower voltages (like 2.1) and overcharging that could happen at higher voltages (like 2.4), which can cause excessive gassing and reduce battery life. A per-cell check ensures each cell in the pack is charging evenly, which is why this value is used.