Equalizing my house batteries with Magnum MS2000 Inverter

[ualdriver]

Hello-

I have a Magnum MS2000 inverter and the ME-MR control panel.

I want to equalize my batteries, and the ME-MR control panel instructions tell you the steps to take on the panel, but not much else.

I went through the steps, the panel showed I was equalizing, and I could hear the fluid in my house batteries bubbling. I let the process go on for about an hour, and then shut it off. I have no idea if this ME-MR control panel/MS2000 inverter will stop the process after X minutes or Y hours, or if it is manually started and stopped, or even if the batteries are supposed to be bubbling as they sound like they are during the process.

Could someone fill me in on what I should be looking for, if this is a manual or automatic process, and how long the equalization should take place for?

Also, I have Interstate flooded lead acid batteries for my house and sealed Interstate lead acid batteries for my chassis. I called Interstate and they said I should equalize my batteries several times per year.

Thanks!

[Mr_D]

Yes the batteries will bubble during equalization. That mixes the acid and water mixture back together.

[vsheetz]

Bubbling expected. Equilization should occur typically for about 4 hours and stop automatically.

[ualdriver]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Yes the batteries will bubble during equalization. That mixes the acid and water mixture back together.

Thanks.

How long is this process supposed to take place for? Minutes? Hours? Is it normally automatically shut on/off by the inverter logic or do I let it bubble for a while then stop the process?

[ualdriver]

Originally Posted by vsheetz

Bubbling expected. Equilization should occur typically for about 4 hours and stop automatically.

4 hours. OK, I had no idea it would take that long. I shut if off after only an hour or so. Guess I'll have to do it again and let it run longer.

Thanks.

[Sherpa Vern]

From the Magnum MS2000 manual.

"The MS Series inverter/charger also allows you to select an equalize charge for the batteries. Press and hold the Charger ON/OFF switch for 4 seconds. The Equal- ize (EQ) function will be initiated (and the correct code will be sent to the remote.) The EQ function automatically terminates after 4 hours of operation. You can also manually stop the equalize mode by pressing and holding the Charger ON/OFF switch while the inverter is in EQ mode."

This link might be helpful regarding the equalize process.

https://northeastbattery.com/equalizing-charges/

I hope this helps.

[96 Wideglide]

Originally Posted by ualdriver

4 hours. OK, I had no idea it would take that long. I shut if off after only an hour or so. Guess I'll have to do it again and let it run longer.

Thanks.

Check with your battery manufacturer.

I have 4 Interstate 6V golf cart batteries, and they recommend no more than 2 hours.

[ualdriver]

Originally Posted by Sherpa Vern

From the Magnum MS2000 manual.

"The MS Series inverter/charger also allows you to select an equalize charge for the batteries. Press and hold the Charger ON/OFF switch for 4 seconds. The Equal- ize (EQ) function will be initiated (and the correct code will be sent to the remote.) The EQ function automatically terminates after 4 hours of operation. You can also manually stop the equalize mode by pressing and holding the Charger ON/OFF switch while the inverter is in EQ mode."

This link might be helpful regarding the equalize process.

https://northeastbattery.com/equalizing-charges/

I hope this helps.

Yes that is extremely helpful thanks! I didn't read the inverter manual, just the control panel manual : (

[ualdriver]

Originally Posted by 96 Wideglide

Check with your battery manufacturer.

I have 4 Interstate 6V golf cart batteries, and they recommend no more than 2 hours.

Yes I believe I have the same. I will call them and ask. Thanks for the heads up.

[vsheetz]

Missed that you had interstate GC2 batteries. So do I. Interstate spec for mine is to equalize for 2 hours every 4 to 8 weeks. Fully charged before equalizing. Dunno if the magnum can be changed from 4 to 2 to auto shut off. I enable battery disconnect switch as the voltage applied during equalization is likely 15.something volts.

[ualdriver]

Originally Posted by vsheetz

Missed that you had interstate GC2 batteries. So do I. Interstate spec for mine is to equalize for 2 hours every 4 to 8 weeks. Fully charged before equalizing. Dunno if the magnum can be changed from 4 to 2 to auto shut off. I enable battery disconnect switch as the voltage applied during equalization is likely 15.something volts.

Yes, It was putting 15V through the battery. I don't think my control panel allows for only 2 hours, but it's easy enough to just shut the process down after two hours. I left my battery disconnect switches on. Hopefully that doesn't hurt anything.

[Long Island Mac]

2013 40' w/ magnum panel. On house curent. Can I equalize on 20 amp.

[ualdriver]

Originally Posted by 96 Wideglide

Check with your battery manufacturer.

I have 4 Interstate 6V golf cart batteries, and they recommend no more than 2 hours.

Just got a return e-mail from Interstate batteries today. They do, indeed, recommend 2 hours of equalization for my Interstate GC2-ECL batteries.

Thanks.