CTEK Battery Chargers
CTEK known for its CTEK Battery chargers was founded 30 years ago in Sweden and has since grown into a global company, leading in the battery industry. They are best known for pioneering the smart car charger and has gained a reputation for their high quality and long-lasting products. This includes their popular CTEK battery chargers which aim to maximise battery performance and to be used not only during emergencies but to extend and preserve battery life.
Want to know what CTEK battery chargers have to offer? Read on to find out more.
What are the features of a CTEK battery charger?
- Reconditioning – Most CTEK battery chargers have a specialized program for reconditioning and optimising battery life. This is initiated in the desulphation phase and maintained through the reconditioning and floating stages.
- Smart Sensors – Many battery chargers in the market provide smart sensors which quickly become outdated or lose accuracy eventually causing overcharging issues thus damaging the battery life. CTEK battery is known for developing trustworthy and accurate smart sensors which assess both the sulphation levels and overall battery status to select the most suitable charging method – without the need of manual input!
- Safety Measures – CTEK battery chargers produce clean currents with low ripples to prevent random spikes and heat up the battery which can cause an aging effect while damaging other connected electrical components. CTEK also developed an automatic shut down feature if clamps accidentally touch for spark protection and ensure safety from electrocution.
8 Stage of Battery Charging
CTEK chargers have up to 8 steps in their charging process depending on the model, some of these stages may be shortened or unnecessary however many proceed the following stages:
- Cleaning/Desulphation. CTEK battery chargers emit micropulses which shed lead-sulphate crystal build up at the bottom of battery (caused by prolonged periods of not being used) and instead uses it to optimise the power output. Usually, lead-acid car batteries would accrue enough crystals to slow down the entire battery.
- Soft start. The rebooting of a previously discharged battery gradually eases electrical currents into the battery until it is about 10-20% full to ensure it doesn’t overcharge and damage the stagnant battery.
- Bulk charging. This is the real race of the process as the charger rapidly feeds the battery with consistent high-voltage currents until it reaches 80% capacity.
- Absorption. After reaching the 80% range, the CTEK charger immediately tapers the electrical currents to slowly reach 95-99% over a 10 hour period.
- Analysis. The CTEK charger will analyse the battery’s capacity and whether there are any damages found through bleeding. If so, it’s time for a new battery.
- Reconditioning. This stage is similar to cleansing of the battery which requires a process called equalization. To equalize the battery, a quick and sustained voltage current is sent through the battery preventing acid stratification as the tiny bubbles formed remix the acid and water into an efficient solution for further use.
- Float/Supply. Before completely reaching 100%, the charger will float at this range for up to 10 days.
- Pulse maintenance. Float maintenance may not always be optimal, especially for long periods of time (i.e. in storage) it may cause overcharging leading to acid stratification. Instead, CTEK developed a healthier strategy using short pulse emissions when ever the battery power decreases. This can sustain the battery at 95-99% over several months.
Popular Products
CTEK XS 0.8 is the ideal maintenance charger for small and normal size 12V batteries usually found on motor bikes, lawn mowers, ATVs and jet skis. This is an easy-to-use, fully automatic 6-step charger that supplies 0.8 A, which is ideal for maintenance charging all lead-acid batteries from 1.2–100 Ah and charging batteries 1.2–32 Ah. It is perfect for long periods of maintenance charging, i.e. during the off season. IP65 classification means it is splash and dustproof.
If you’re worried about your safety there is no need to worry, CTEK XS 0.8 is fully protected from producing voltages that can damage the vehicle’s electronics. It is also non-sparking and features reverse polarity and short circuit protection. Not convinced yet? This product offers a 5 year warranty! If this is perfect for you, grab one while they last!
Ctek’s MXS5.0 is a battery charger that offers cutting edge technology that was previously only found in CTEK’s professional product range. Ctek’s MXS 5.0 battery charger can solve a broad range of battery-related problems and is the perfect charger for those with high demands.
The CTEK MXS5.0 offers features such as battery diagnosis that shows if a battery can receive and retain a charge, a special reconditioning function that restores stratified and deeply discharged batteries, unique maintenance charging, a mode for optimised charging during cold winter days and the charging of demanding AGM batteries (i.e. Optima).
The Ctek MXS5.0 unique display allows the user to follow the entire 8-step charging process.
Another 5 year warranty deal? Yes, please!
The PRO15S is a powerful and fully automatic 15A battery charger and maintainer, compatible with any 12V battery, including lithium. Safe, strong & robust, it can handle heat, dust & humidity. The specialised ‘Recond’ mode is for reconditioning and equalizing deeply discharged Wet and Ca/Ca batteries, with a temperature sensor which optimises the charge if the temperature exceeds 25ºCs. Combining fast and powerful charging with long-term maintenance capability, the PRO15S is the ideal charger for the workshop, the car, the caravan or the boat.
So if you’re after a reliable, long last lasting battery charger see our CTEK battery chargers category for more information.