Use a 12 volt battery charger to charge a 24 volt battery?

[TommyDre]

I have a Stanley Model BC4009 SEL 40A battery charger. Can I use this to put a charge on two 12 volt batteries arranged in series to make a 24 volt battery? Maybe better to say will it blow up the batteries, I can put in on there and see if it will charge. I just don't want a ka-boom moment. Thanks

[Logan005]

"NO" you need to disconnect the batteries and charge each one independently, or get a 24 volt charger.

[Sunking]

No but you can put them in parallel and charge them.

[PNjunction]

IF you PROMISE me that you know your own limitations, are wise about SAFETY, and know that the following is for information only - (I have not tried it), you might be able to do something like this:

http://www.wheelchairdriver.com/fast...r-charging.htm

Burgerman comes highly respected, but still the onus of responsibility for safety is on you, and you must understand EXACTLY what the wiring does.

[TommyDre]

this is very interesting. I have a friend who's father does journeyman electricity. Maybe I'll discuss that set-up with him. But I don't think I'll tackle it on my own.

[Sunking]

I retract my statement. Yes you can charge a 24 volt battery with a 12 volt battery, it is done every day. Catch is it takes a special charge that uses Switch Mode Technology like every RC hobby charger uses like a Revolectrix Power Lab 8. It is bi-directional and can charge in either direction up to 1400 watts. Don't know why I did not think about it before. All you need is the $$$