Can you equalize the batteries in frigid temps?

[JavaJelly]

I know equalizing "boils" the batteries to get rid of build up solids. However, it is below zero here and the batteries are not performing well at all.

I was going to check them tomorrow and equalize them to make sure it just wasn't that. Will batteries equalize in below zero temps?

[JavaJelly]

I know equalizing "boils" the batteries to get rid of build up solids. However, it is below zero here and the batteries are not performing well at all.

I was going to check them tomorrow and equalize them to make sure it just wasn't that. Will batteries equalize in below zero temps?

[BryanL]

Some desulfation is a byproduct of equalizing but it is not the purpose of an equalizing charge.

Lower temperatures reduce the available energy and power the battery can produce. If your batteries are weak or sulfated, cold just further reduces any margins you might have had.

You can get a battery desulfator like the Battery Minder plus or other device to provide a special charge waveform but these take days to weeks to reduce sulfation and even they may not be effective depending upon the condition of the battery. This technique is based on a homebrew desulfator circuit published in Home Power Magazine a while back.

[Spikester]

Scott, before you place your battery charger in the equalize mode you should fully charge your batteries. After they are fully charged check the specific gravity of each cell with a hydrometer, recommend equalizing only when low or wide ranging specific gravity (+/- .015) is detected between the cells in a battery. Unnecessary equalize charging of your batteries is not good for them, equalize charging should only be done to correct known low cell performance.

Spike

[RV Wizard]

Scott, you can equalize in frigid temperatures with your inverter/charger since it is base on a time interval. You will first want to diconnect any 12 volt electronics to prevent damage to them in the equalizing voltage. Here are some links for battery info:
http://www.usbattery.com/care.htm
http://www.dcbattery.com/faq.html#1
http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/Bat...ery%20Charging
http://www.rvsolarelectric.com/sources.htm