How it works
1. Safety check: OptiMate 5 must be connected to a battery (retaining minimum 4V) to activate its output.
2. Desulphation and recovery: if due to sulphation the battery's resistance is abnormally high, a voltage of up to 20V is automatically applied to overcome this so as to recover very flat or neglected batteries until they are able to accept the normal charge program.
3. Bulk charge: a constant current of 4A efficiently brings the battery close to full charge.
4. Charge verification: as soon as the rising resistance causes the charge voltage to reach 14.3V, the voltage is limited at 13.6V for 30 minutes while the circuit monitors the actual voltage and the current absorbed by the battery. If within 30 minutes the automatic circuit judges that the achieved charge is less than optimal, the program reverts to bulk charge and the process repeats.
5. Charge retention test: when the monitored parameters confirm that an optimal charge has been achieved, the first check for battery (and connected system) power leakage commences. Depending on the voltage retained during 30 minutes, an "OK" (green LED) or "not OK" (red LED test result is displayed. These 30-minute test periods repeat hourly until the OptiMate 5 is disconnected, so that the battery status indication is continually updated.
6. Charge maintenance: during alternate 30 minute periods, at a float limit of 13.6V the battery is offered charge current (up to the maximum) it needs to sustain it against any small connected loads or power leakage and against natural self-discharge. OptiMate 5 can stay connected to the battery indefinitely and the battery will stay cool and safe. And optimally charged. Of course.
Technical Specifications
Recommended for: AGM / MF, STD, GEL and EFB batteries from 12Ah to 160Ah
Programme control: 5 stages, fully automatic
Input current max: 0.35A @ 230V
Typical annual energy cost: Less than £1.00 per year (continuous maintenance)
Reverse drain current: Less than 1 mA
Output current (bulk charge): 4A
Automatic desulphation: Yes
Charge time limit: Safe to leave connected for months
Maintain / test cycles: 30 min/30 min (alternating hourly)
Charge retention test: 2 possible results - ‘good’ & ‘bad’
Size: 200 x 75 x 61mm
Weight: 1000g
Enclosure classification: IP54
Mounting: Easy direct wall mounting
Input cable length: 2m
Output cable length: 2m
Included Accessories: O11 Weatherproof Eyelet Lead; O4 Clamp Lead for bench charging
Operation temperature range: -40°C / +50°C
Warranty: 3 years
Certification (230V model): TUV/GS conformity