Question on charging a Gel-cell batt...

[Eric Adams]

I have a 12v 7amp battery I got out of a PC UBS. Will a normal 12v charger charge this ok? I was going to use it for LED lighting.

[JamesW]

It depends on what you call "normal". What is the current output of the charger? You need to have a charger that will output at least 10% of the battery capacity. (700mA) A small trickle type charger may only put out 300 - 500mA. Radio Shack sells these types of batteries used in Security Alarms. They also have a small charger.

[Arne]

That is correct. At bat should never be charged at more then 1C of its rating, so 0.7 amps is the max it should be charged at. That is much lower than most auto chargers will do unless it is a new 'smart charger' which cycles off and on depending on battery charge level.