@DannyP posted:Sorry I disagree.
Trickle chargers apply a constant albeit small charge. They work well to maintain Ni-Cad or Ni-Mh cells. I agree, TRICKLE chargers are not the best for lead acid batteries, the charge rate is too high to leave on continuously.
Float chargers charge to a certain voltage(2.25 to 2.27 volts per cell, 13.5 to 13.62 for all 6 cells) at a .5 to 1.5 amp usual rate(depending on charger), then switch to maintenance mode. Maintenance mode is a fixed voltage and a much smaller current than a TRICKLE charger. I've used one for 5 years on my maintenance-free motorcycle gel-cell(which is still lead acid). The battery starts as new every spring.
Float chargers are the way to go for most automotive/regular batteries.
You can spend more and get a maintainer/de-sulfator, but it's not necessary IMHO.
I come from a 30 year Telco background, and have been working with Rectifiers/Float chargers and lead acid batteries for a LONG time.
We have terminological differences. What you call a float charger is what I call a maintainer. A float charger floats the battery at a constant voltage, usually as you say, 2.25-2.27 VPC. It simply floats the battery. It doesn't switch to a lower voltage maintenance mode.
Now for the neat part. I have a similar background, and have been working with telecom/broadband/data center power systems for the last 30+ years. I started my inside plant career with Lorain Products, and have worked for MCI, Qwest/CenturyLink, and Time-Warner Cable. My current employer is a major player in the DC power space. It's a small world, huh?