We briefly touched on this topic in last month’s feature article, but the number of calls, emails, blog posts and Clore stories submitted related to it definitely warrant addressing it on a stand-alone basis. Many customers are confused when we call for charging their unit when they see a green light (or FULL) when they check the battery’s charge status or State of Charge (SoC). So, let’s dig into that.
Here’s how we usually get this question/comment:
• “Your carton said to charge the unit for 24 hours when first opened, but the unit shows a green light?”
• “I got your recharge alert, but my unit shows fully charged.”
• “I love my JNC660/ES5000. I’ve had it three years and it has never even needed a charge.”
There are many other variations, but the three above examples essentially capture the general idea. It’s true that our units typically hold a charge for a long time. That’s a really good thing. But, it shouldn’t stop you from regularly charging the unit, which is the most beneficial thing that you can do for your jump starter’s health. So, we’ll tackle each of these scenarios individually below.
Out of the box – you say to charge it, but it says it’s full?
Of course, this is a seeming contradiction, and we couldn’t blame anyone for wondering what to do in this situation. First, the reason why we add this to the package and the manual is that we have no way to know how long it will take for a specific unit to reach the final purchaser. As a result, we instruct all purchasers to charge their unit upon initial purchase. We’re doing it mostly for those purchasers where the unit needs a charge when first purchased (shows amber or CHARGE).
Yet, there’s also value for someone who’s brand new unit shows green. There can be a fair amount of SoC difference between “fully charged” and “charged enough to yield a green light.” So, charging the unit upon initial purchase, even if the light is green, yields benefits for the unit’s battery and its overall longevity (more below).
Got my quarterly recharge alert, but my unit is already green?
This is mostly a variation of the above example, yet it is different. The assumption here is that you have likely used the unit at some point and still find yourself in this situation. What to do? Like the above example, there’s a difference between charged enough to light the green light and fully charged. In this difference, there’s a world of opportunity for sulfation to creep into your battery and speed its inexorable march toward the end.
What is sulfation and why is it a problem? Sulfation, without going full chemistry lesson on you, is the natural process in a lead acid battery by which particles form on the plates over time, limiting the battery’s ability to fully recover to full strength when it is charged. The best way to fend off sulfation is to keep your battery/jump starter fully charged as much as possible. This is why we say, “Charge early, charge often.” Conversely, the best way to speed a lead acid battery’s demise is to let it sit in a discharged state for a long period of time.
So, you might say, “If it’s green, the jump starter isn’t really in a discharged state. What gives?” Great point. It’s true that a unit showing green is “mostly” charged and therefore not deeply discharged. The best analogy we can offer here is that your battery is like a swimming pool and regular charging is like a pool cover. It keeps a lot of unwanted junk from getting in and ruining the pool/battery. A green, but not truly fully charged, unit is like having one corner of the pool cover out of place. You’re mostly good, but bad stuff can still creep in. So, charge it regularly (every 90 days), whether it seems to need it or not. Your unit will reward you with better performance and longer useful life.
“I love my Booster PAC/JNC unit. I’ve had it for several years.
It’s so good, it seems to never need a charge.”
Again, a variation on the two examples above. We love that customers appreciate the way our units hold a charge, but for the reasons stated above, we strongly recommend charging the jump starter every 90 days.
Some users recognize that the jump starter is getting charge back from the vehicle that was just jump started and feel this may be a sufficient means of recharging after use. We strongly advise against this practice. We suggest disconnecting your jump starter from a now-running vehicle as quickly as possible after the successful jump start has taken place. This is because the vehicle’s alternator output (current) is typically 20-30 times higher than the current of your jump starter’s internal or external charger. It’s simply too much power and extended exposure to the alternator’s output can be damaging to your jump starter’s battery. So, let the included charger (whether built-in or external) do the charging – as we also like to say, “Low and slow is the way to go.”
We hope this clears up any confusion that might exist or helps to resolve what could be interpreted as conflicting information from us. Our goal is to always provide you with clear details and directions that help you get the most from the products you invest in from us.
16 Responses
Right on, I got it, thank you
I charged my truck pac es1224 until green light comes on but when I go to jump start a vehicle it acts like it doesn’t have a charge
Billy – Thanks for your comment/question. It sounds as though you may have a battery issue. I would suggest calling our Tech Line at 800 328 2921, option #2. Thanks, Jim from Clore Automotive
I made this comment earlier. My unit (after more than 24 hours) did not turn green. But, when I unplugged it, it immediately turned green.
Ken – Thanks for your comment/question. This does happen at times. Your battery, when you stopped the charge cycle by unplugging, was probably 0.1-0.15 Volts below the threshold need to light the LED at the end of a charging cycle. The voltage required to light the green LED when checking the battery’s status while unplugged is lower. That’s why you got the green after unplugging. I’d suggest waiting a week and running another overnight charge cycle. A few of these should get you back to where the green is lit at the end of the charge cycle. In these situations, the unit is typically fine, it’s just that the battery needs a little exercise to allow it to reach the level (during charging) to light the green LED. Thanks, Jim from Clore Automotive
Great info. Thanks for sharing. God Bless
love our jnc660 and your explanation on charging.
If it is recommended to charge it when it indicates FULL, then is there a recommended time to continue charging it when it indicates filled?
Bob C – Great question. We would suggest plugging it in in the evening and taking it off the charger in the morning. Thanks, Jim from Clore Automotive
What about the JNC 950 it has no light just a meter? I still charge it when I get the email or after heavy use.
John – Thanks for your question. For the JNC950 and JNC1224, we recommend charging overnight (both units have high battery capacity). You can check your state of charge using the button/meter. Once unplugged, you’ll want to see voltage between 12.8-13.0V. If you check the voltage and it’s higher than that (after being unplugged), that’s surface charge and is normal. In this case, let the unit sit for an hour to allow the surface charge to work itself off and then recheck your state of charge. Thanks, Jim from Clore Automotive
The adapter that is used for recharging the jump starter and the terminals are broken. Looking to purchase a new adaptor for the jump starter unit. Thank you for your assistance. Please contact me at (860)803-6217.
Additional information unit is Model# JNC660 S/N # DH27 – JUN 14.
Replacement AC/DC adapter model # LK-DC150050. Thank you for your assistance.
Thomas – Thanks for your inquiry. The kit you need is 865-117-666. The best way to order one is to call our Service line at 800 328 2921, option #1. Thank you, Jim from Clore Automotive
The green light comes on with my JNC660 quite fast, typically within 15 minutes. Can you recommend a charging time to leave it on for, with that scenario?
Mendel – Thanks for your question. If your unit is near full charge (gauge reads ~12.7V when not plugged in), it would be normal for the green light to come on quickly. In this case, I would suggest keeping it on the charger for another 2-4 hours. Thanks, Jim from Clore Automotive