BCDi320 Manual
2120
Glossary
We use a number of abbreviations on the labels to save space. Here are the full words corre-
sponding to each abbreviation along with common battery charger terms and their denitions:
ABBREVIATIONS
POL – Polarity. Refers to the correct connection of the Positive and Negative terminals of the battery to
the charger.
DEV – Device. Refers to the charger. Used together with the Fault LED to indicate a problem with the
Device.
BAT – Battery. Refers to the battery. Used together with the Fault LED to indicate a problem with the
Battery.
FLT – Fault. Used to indicate a problem with the battery (BAT) or the device (DEV) AC – Alternating
Current
TEMP – Temperature. Used to indicate that either the Battery or the Device is too hot.
LO V – Low Voltage. Used to indicate that either the Input Voltage or the Battery Voltage is too low.
FAIL – Used to indicate that either the battery or the device needs repair or replacement.
PRG – Program - Button used to initiate the Programming Mode
STG – Stage – Switch used to select between 2-Stage or 3-Stage charging prole
EOC – End Of Charge – Switch used to select Rest or Float at the end of a charge cycle
EQ – Equalize
PS – Power Supply
DEFINITIONS
CC – Constant Current. Typically the rst phase of a recharge cycle where a constant current is delivered
to the battery until the voltage reaches a specic level.
CV – Constant Voltage. Typically the 2nd or 3rd phases of a recharge cycle where the battery voltage is
maintained at a constant level.
ABSORPTION – The rst Constant Voltage stage in a 3 stage charging algorithm, where the battery is
maintained at an elevated voltage for a period of time to ensure full and equal recharging of all cells.
EQUALIZE – A deliberate overcharge at low current to bring a weak cell up to the same charge level
as the good cells in a weak battery. Typically only performed once every few months, and only if battery
exhibits reduced capacity.
FLOAT – The second and nal Constant Voltage stage in a 3 stage charging algorithm, or the only Constant
Voltage stage in a 2 stage algorithm where the battery is held at safe voltage indenitely.
AMP-HOUR CAPACITY – The energy capacity of a battery expressed in the number of hours the
battery can last a specic output current. For example, 100 Amp-Hours means that a battery can supply
100 amps for 1 hour, or 10 amps for 10 hours, etc.
C/20 RATE – The number of amps that a battery can supply for 20 hours. For example a 100 amp hour
battery should be able to supply 5 amps continuously for 20 hours. Battery capacity varies with the
discharge rate. The higher the discharge rate, the lower the capacity of the battery.
DEEP DISCHARGE BATTERY – a battery designed to have a lower maximum current capability, but
can be repeatedly deeply discharged without damaging it or seriously affecting its lifespan.
ENGINE STARTING BATTERY – a battery designed to produce a very high amperage for engine start-
ing, but typically does not tolerate repeated deep discharging.