I've never seen any docs that say one way or another. I'll take
a look at my copy of Handbook Of Batteries to see what it says.
I always
equalized mine starting from a full charge with good results. I've also
never had a charger that could determine when equalization is
complete. Normally, 4 hours is sufficient and my StatPower
charger would cut out after 4 hours just to make sure the
batteries were not destroyed.

Doug
s/v Callista

"Steve" wrote in message
...
I have to admit that in the 2 yrs that my boat has been in commission, I
haven't been able to fully complete an Equalization charge.

When ever I set the charger/inverter to Equalization Charge it never
gives me any indication that it completes this function. I always
assumed this was because of the main bank size (~800ah) and the chargers
max output of 110 amps..

Now, I finally completed the installation of my 100 amp alternator and
my AutoMacII charge controller. In reviewing the charging and
Equalization procedure for this unit, I understand that the battery bank
should be full charged BEFORE the Equalization phase.

I haven't tried this with the Alternator charge controller because I
seldom charge this way long enough to reach a full charge state.
However, I did get the main bank to a full charge state with the
Charger/Inverter today but now when I press the Equalization button I
get a HI Batt. light and the unit switches back to Float Charge.

So I guess my question would be, do you Equalize after or before FULL
Charge????

Steve
s/v Good Intentions