E
Eric
Guest
Does it harm the electrical system, if the battery is charged without disconnecting the battery cables? Disconnecting the cables would, however, reset the ECU, which may cause some inconvenience.
In general, there are (at least) two different types of battery charges. The simpler type (1) includes only a transformer and a rectifier. The problem with this device is that it will allow the voltage of the battery and the electrical system connected to the battery to rise too high, say up to 17 volts. The only thing that restricts the voltage rise is the battery iself, ie. its internal resistance.
The better type (2) has an electronically stabilized output that restricts the output to about 14 volts, which is the same as the alternator output. This type is similar to the car's charging system.
A guess is that charging the battery (with the cables connected) with the type 2 would not harm the electrical system.
In general, there are (at least) two different types of battery charges. The simpler type (1) includes only a transformer and a rectifier. The problem with this device is that it will allow the voltage of the battery and the electrical system connected to the battery to rise too high, say up to 17 volts. The only thing that restricts the voltage rise is the battery iself, ie. its internal resistance.
The better type (2) has an electronically stabilized output that restricts the output to about 14 volts, which is the same as the alternator output. This type is similar to the car's charging system.
A guess is that charging the battery (with the cables connected) with the type 2 would not harm the electrical system.