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Old 02-05-2009
btrayfors btrayfors is offline
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Yes. I have two Iota chargers w/IQ-4 regulators -- one external and one internal. One of these Iotas (55A model) is on the boat and maintains the two T-105 golf-cart batteries which are dedicated to the windlass. The other Iota (45A model) is at home, and maintains the two T-105 golf-cart batteries which run all my radios (I'm a ham and a radio freak....lots of radios, all run off of 12V). Both of these Iotas are left on 24/7.

That said, it's very important to periodically check on electrolyte level, 'cuz you can easily get fooled. All my T-105s (I have 8 of them on the boat and 2 at home) have Water Miser Caps, which greatly reduce water loss. Additionally, they make it literally a snap to check on water levels in the batteries...you just snap up the covers to have a look and/or to add distilled water when needed.

Providing that you periodically check the water levels and don't let the batteries run dry, then I believe 24/7 is the best way to maintain flooded batteries. Mine are several years old and with a sophisticated battery tester still test almost like new.

Bill
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