Winter Battery Care for Mobile Energisers: Ensuring Optimal Performance

Mobile Electric fence energisers come in various models, powered by 9v, rechargeable leisure batteries and rechargeable batteries used in solar energisers.  Regardless of the model, all these devices rely on a battery to function. If your mobile energiser is headed into winter storage, it's crucial to give extra attention to the battery.

Proper maintenance is key to guarantee that your battery or batteries perform efficiently when the next season rolls around. Unlike the starter battery in your car, an energiser's battery isn't as susceptible to harsh winter conditions. In fact, it's at rest during this period, and its primary concern is self-discharge. To keep it in top shape, ensure the battery goes into storage fully charged and remember to recharge it before putting the device back into use in spring. Using a trickle charger is recommended.

Here are brief instructions for winter storage tailored to each type of energiser:

 

For devices powered by 9V batteries, follow these steps to store them correctly:

  1. Turn off the energiser.
  2. Disconnect the 9V battery from the device.
  3. Safely store the battery in a dry place at a consistent temperature of approximately 18 degrees Celsius.

 

 

Maintenance Guidelines for Different Energiser Types

Rechargeable Battery-Powered Devices: For energisers equipped with rechargeable batteries, we recommend the following steps:

  1. Turn off the energiser.
  2. Disconnect the rechargeable battery from the device.
  3. Ensure the battery pack is fully charged.
  4. Safely store the charged battery in a dry location with a constant temperature of approximately 18 degrees Celsius. Using a trickle charger is ideal for long-term storage. Alternatively, recharge the battery after approximately three months.
  5. Before reusing the device, recharge the battery fully.

Standard Solar-Powered Devices: When it comes to solar-powered energisers, follow these steps to store them properly:

  1. Turn off the energiser.
  2. Keep the battery connected to the device.
  3. Position the device in daylight for at least three days, with the solar panel facing south to charge the battery.
  4. Open the device and disconnect the battery.
  5. Store the disconnected battery in a dry location at a constant temperature of around 18 degrees Celsius. Connecting to a trickle charger is advisable, or repeat the charging process in daylight after roughly three months.  NEVER store leisure batteries on concrete floors.
  6. When you wish to use the device again after storage, connect the battery and switch on the device for 10 to 15 seconds. Then turn it off and place the device in daylight for three days, with the setting set to OFF.

Solar-Powered Lithium Devices (e.g., Gallagher S6 Lithium, S12 Lithium, S20 Lithium, and S30 Lithium): For specific Lithium models with internal non-removable lithium batteries, like the Gallagher S6 Lithium, S12 Lithium, S20 Lithium, and S30 Lithium, follow these steps:

  1. Turn off the energiser.
  2. Place the device in daylight for at least three days with the solar panel facing south.
  3. Store the device in a dark and dry location with a constant temperature of around 18 degrees Celsius. To prevent unexpected light exposure, either cover the solar panel or place the device upside down.  NEVER store leisure batteries on concrete floors.
  4. When you intend to use the device again after storage or if it hasn't been used for more than three months, switch it on for 10-15 seconds. Then turn it off and expose it to daylight for three days with the setting set to OFF.

 

Devices Powered by Mains Electricity: For energisers operating on mains power, it is advisable to keep them switched on throughout the winter. These devices are engineered for continuous operation and do not necessitate special storage procedures when connected to mains power.

No More Concerns with an Efficient Trickle Charger: Intelligent trickle chargers, like the ABSAAR PRO 4.0, provide a regulated charging process, maintaining the battery at the optimal voltage and preventing overcharging. Such chargers are also suitable for recharging the battery. Trickle chargers are energy-efficient, allowing for constant connection.

Investing in a trickle charger can result in significantly prolonged battery lifespan, quickly justifying the expense. Furthermore, for solar energisers, there's no need to leave them in sunlight for three days in the OFF mode at the end of the season to recharge the battery since the trickle charger handles this task.