This 40A 12V automatic mains battery charger is designed to enable safe and efficient unattended charging of 12V batteries from a mains power source (220-240V AC). This product comes from Votronic, the leading German manufacturer of solar and vehicle electronics. German design, engineering and manufacturing ensure unrivalled quality and reliability.

Charging options:

This unit is able to charge either a single 12V battery, or several 12V batteries connected in parallel (batteries must be the same type, capacity and age). There are two 'master' charging sockets; each of them able to charge either a single 12V battery or multiple paralleled 12V batteries.

This charger also features an additional auxiliary socket for simultaneous trickle charging of one more independent battery, e.g. a leisure or auxiliary battery. The main batteries will continue to be charged at full power, while the additional battery is trickle charged at a maximum current of 4A.

The charger is therefore ideal not only for vehicles but also for boats with 3 different batteries or battery banks (2 separate domestic or leisure batteries and one starter battery) as it can charge them independently.

This mains battery charger is compatible with Lead Acid, AGM and Gel batteries, with different charging programs available for each type.

Key features:

• Safe unattended charging: the unit features inbuilt safety functions (protection against overload, overheating, overvoltage, short circuit, incorrect polarization and reverse discharge of the battery), which allow the charger to be left permanently connected to the battery for unattended automatic charging. The unit also features an integrated safety switch for added protection. Unlike many other mains chargers, the charging voltage is also free from peaks which offers smooth uninterrupted charging.

• Continued charging during battery use: the charger will continue to operate at full power while energy is drawn from the battery during use. The unit will maintain the charge if the battery is already at full capacity.

• Compatible with other charging sources: thanks to the inbuilt mains suppression filter, the batteries may be charged from alternative power sources, for example solar panels, wind/ petrol generators etc. whilst remaining connected to the mains battery charger.

• 'Silent Run' function: for quieter operation (e.g. during the night time), a noise-optimised mode can be enabled at the touch of a button. This will reduce the speed and noise emitted from the internal fan, and switch off the LED indicators. All charging functions will continue to operate as usual. Reactivation of the display and fan is possible at any time, or will recommence automatically after 10 hours.

• Battery regeneration function: for batteries stored in non-moving vehicles, the unit features a regeneration function which is automatically activated twice a week to prevent acid accumulation in the batteries during extended periods of immobility.

• Dead battery recovery function: for optimum charging of completely drained batteries, the charger offers a gentle preliminary charging stage, followed by a more powerful charging stage.

• Power pack function: supply of power to charger output with no battery connected (e.g. battery replacement).

• AC Power limit switch: for applications where the mains power may be limited, e.g. if using a generator, this switch can reduce the power drawn from mains (to a 'medium' or 'low' charging rate) in order to prevent overload or shutdown of the AC power source.

Additional features:

This automatic mains battery charger also features LED indicators to show battery charging status, various charging stages, charging current (with varying intensity, depending on current supplied) and battery connection status. The unit also features an internal fan to prevent overheating.

A 2m mains AC cable with a shock-proof UK 3-pin plug is also supplied with this product.

Click on the 'Details and Specifications' tab for more information about this product.

Specifications:

• Nominal operating voltage (AC): 220-240V / 45-65 Hz
• Operating Voltage range (AC): 190V - 265V (full capacity) / 300V (5 secs)
• Max power consumption (AC): 680W
• Max current consumption (AC): 3.0A
• Charging capacity of AC power limit switch:
  • 'Max' position: 3.3 A / 680 W
  • 'Med' position: 1.9 A / 390 W
  • 'Low' position: 1.4 A / 280 W
• Operating temperature range: -20°C  to +40°C
• Ambient conditions: max. 95 % RH, No Condensation
• Inbuilt fan
• Protection class: IP21
• Dimensions: 310 x 138 x 72 mm
• Weight: 2.4 kg

Main battery charging parameters (charging ports A / B):

• Nominal voltage: 12V
• Acceptable battery capacity range (Battery A, or Battery A+B total): 75 Ah-480 Ah
• Bulk / absorption charging voltage: 14.4V - 14.7V (depending on the battery type)
• Float charging voltage: 13.5V - 13.8V (depending on the battery type)
• Charging voltage limit (protection of loads connected to the battery): 15.0V
• Automatic external high voltage disconnect: 15.5V

This product is covered by a 2 year manufacturer warranty. For more information please refer to our Terms and Conditions.

Full details explaining wiring and operations can be found in the user manual supplied with this product (see Documents tab).

If you need help with installation or have any technical questions we can provide FREE support - please contact us by email or phone (see Contact Us page for more information).

The following documents are available to download:

User manual for 40A 12V Mains battery charger (PB1240)