How do you go about using your generator to charge 12V batteries? Here’s what you need to know.

Can You Charge A 12V Battery With A Generator?

Yes, but we wouldn’t recommend it.

Most portable generators have a 12V output built into them. However, they are not designed to fully charge batteries directly.

Your typical 240V generator produces an unregulated output of 13.6 volts, which is far too low to completely charge a 12V battery in a timely manner. It can take up to 6 hours to half-charge a 100Ah lead acid or AGM battery, and more than a week to charge it completely.

The best way to charge a 12V battery, or any battery for that matter, is to run a proper, purpose-built 240V battery charger off the generator's 240V outlet. This will charge the batteries much faster, and because most chargers are self-regulating, there’s less chance of damaging the battery.

Note: The time it takes for your generator to completely charge will depend on the voltage reaching the battery, the size of the battery and the condition of the battery.

How To (Correctly) Charge Your Battery With A Generator

If possible, you should avoid charging a 12V battery directly from your generator.

Instead, here’s how to correctly charge a battery using a 240V generator and a purpose built battery charger:

1. Turn On The Generator

First, start your generator and allow sufficient time for it to warm up.

2. Connect The Battery To Its Charger

Every battery charger should come with two clips (one black, one red) to clamp onto the terminals of the battery.

Connect the red clip to the positive terminal of the battery and the black clip to the negative terminal of the battery.

3. Plug The Charger Into The Generator

Once the battery is hooked up to its charger, you can then plug the chargers power cord into the AC outlet of the generator and turn it on.

Note: Depending on the type of charger you have, it will either turn off after fully charging or transition into trickle charging mode.

Once the battery is fully charged, you can turn off the generator and disconnect it from the battery. Be sure to remove the black clip first, then the red.

Get The Right Advice, Contact Us Today

If you’re still unsure, it’s always best to contact an expert.

With years of experience, you can rely on Blue Diamond Machinery to provide the right advice and a generator to meet your unique charging requirements.

For more information on the best model to suit your power requirements, contact us today or speak to one of our expert team on 1300 998 647.