Each car battery has a certain resource, after which the car owner has to replace the battery. But it often happens that at the most inopportune moment the car stops starting because of insufficient battery power. In such situations, a starting-charging device is a good helper. Before choosing a specific model, it is worth getting acquainted with the features and characteristics of such devices.
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What are starter chargers for?
A starter charger is used to charge the battery or start the car engine, depending on the type of device. You can both charge only the battery to start the car, almost completely restore the capacity of the battery, and just start the car.
Situations in which such a device is useful are very different. Especially relevant is the use of starting and charging devices during the cold, winter season, when the battery is discharged by low temperatures. Many car owners buy such portable devices to prevent unforeseen situations, as they allow at any moment to start the car even with a fully discharged battery.
Types of portable battery chargers
As for the types of starting-chargers for the car, the following are distinguished:
- Capacitor. Are the least common devices, because the current they generate is very unstable and there is a risk of ruining the battery or the onboard network of the car. In addition, the cost of this type of devices is quite high, and it is not very convenient to use them, in addition, they are very bulky;
- rechargeable. The device is charged before use, which allows it to work without being connected to the mains. Such a device is convenient enough to take with you on the road, but there are also disadvantages - it's a lot of weight and impressive size. The most frequent application of the accumulator type of ROM is maintenance of car fleets. Are used in this case, professional models. As for the portable devices of this type, they are suitable only for starting the engine, but not for charging the battery;
- impulse. The device is equipped with a high-frequency inverter, by means of which the current parameters are changed. Such equipment allows the production of devices of small size and weight, as well as low cost. As for the disadvantage, it concerns the reduction of potential in low-temperature conditions;
- transformer. Despite the fact that the device weighs a lot and costs a lot, it has a high level of efficiency and reliability. ROM of this type has all the necessary characteristics that allow to create and maintain a stable current. Using a high power ROM, it is possible to start the car engine even in the most extreme conditions and to restore the EMF even in a fully discharged battery. The disadvantage of such a device is the low current compared to the inverter variety of ROM.
Charging and starting devices (CPSD)
This kind of device is designed only for charging the battery. The battery is charged by transferring voltage and current of a certain value from the device terminals to the terminals of the battery. This can occur in several ways, namely:
- through the transmission of direct current;
- through the transmission of direct voltage;
- a combined method. First the direct current is transmitted, then the direct voltage.
INFO: Chargers operating on the combined principle are the most effective among the devices of this variety.
Charging and starting devices (CPS)
As for the charging and starting devices, they are used when the battery is completely discharged or the charge is not enough to start the starter and, consequently, the engine. With the help of the starter switch it is possible to supply current directly to the battery terminals, without removing it from the car.
The only thing to consider is that a socket is required to connect the ROM. After connecting it to the car, you only need to switch the device to start mode, connect it to the terminals and you can start the car. After switching on the device, there is a long-pulse current supply to the onboard circuit of the car, which makes it possible to start the engine.
INFONOTE: When using the battery starter and charger to start the engine, it is required to disconnect the battery from the car terminals.
What should I consider when choosing a ROM?
Despite the fact that for a certain amount of time a certain rating of models of starting-chargers has been formed, which can be found below, not always the most popular and most popular model will be suitable in each particular case. It is necessary to purchase the device, to push back on your needs, situation and opportunities. To choose the most suitable ROM, you need to take into account several basic characteristics, which are described in detail below.
Maximum inrush current
One of the most important parameters that you need to pay attention to when choosing a starter-charger is the value of the starting current. This figure is measured in amperes and shows the amount of charge that is transferred to the battery when using the device.
To choose the most suitable model, it is necessary to start from the volume of the engine of the car for which the device is purchased. For small cars, a device with a starting current of up to 200 amps is sufficient. If the engine is larger, it is better to give preference to a ROM with a starting current of 300 amperes.
Supported voltage
As for the indicator of the output voltage, it is recommended to buy a device with such a parameter of 19 volts. Despite the fact that the work of the car's onboard network occurs at a voltage of 12 volts, in the case when it is impossible to start the engine due to a discharged battery, a higher voltage will be required, which is not necessary for normal engine starting.
Dimensions and weight
These parameters of ROM depend on the further conditions of its operation. If the motorist has a garage and there is no need to have the device with him all the time, it is better to buy a more powerful ROM, which can weigh on average 20 kg.
If a motorist does not use a garage, but leaves his car in the parking lot and prefers to have ROM with him, then the best option is to buy a lighter and more portable device, the weight of which does not exceed 10 kg, and the width and height respectively 20 and 40 cm.
TIPWhen choosing a device, it is recommended to check the reliability of the starting current indicated on the package. To do this, divide the rated power by the output voltage.
Additional parameters and functions
As for various additional functions, it is not superfluous to buy a device equipped with various protection systems, for example, if the car owner mixed up the terminals when connecting the device to the car's onboard network.
It is also worth giving preference to devices that allow you to adjust the current and voltage values. With this function you can select the required value depending on the situation and the condition of the battery.
When buying, you should pay attention to the material from which the body of the device is made. It is better to give preference to devices with a metal housing or made of high-strength plastic. Such models with can last for a long time.
Rating of the best starting-chargers
Rating of ROMs was formed as follows:
- In first place ROM from the company JIC with the most popular model JIC-12. Battery capacity is 12000 mA/h, voltage 12 volts, the maximum starting current of 400 amps, the weight of the device 240 g. It allows up to 1000 cycles of charging.
- In second place is NOKO with the model GB20 Boost Sport. In terms of technical characteristics, the model is not too different from the previous one. In general, the devices are similar, except for battery capacity (for this model is characterized by an indicator of 10,000 mAh and weighs 950 g.
- On the third place is the Hummer manufacturing company, model H3. The capacity indicator of the device is 6000 mA/h, the voltage is 12 volts, the maximum starting current of 300 amps, weight 227 g, can produce up to 1000 charge cycles.
