Dual Pro XL1 Marine Battery Charger

12 Volt 6 amp single bank waterproof marine grade charger.

The Dual Pro XL1 marine battery charger is also one of the newer entries in the Dual Pro line of US built quality chargers. The XL series are 6 amp per bank, 12 volt independent output, temperature compensating, waterproof battery chargers. These are mountable, and vibration proof. Independent bank chargers have a separate positive and negative connection for each bank, and a separate microprocessor which controls the charging algorithm of the bank. This means that the batteries connected may be of differing size, age, state of charge, or even type (flooded, sealed). This works well for an application like a small boat with a starting battery and a trolling motor battery (or batteries). It also is applicable in series strings of two 12 volt batteries for 24 volts (the XL2, 2 bank charger). After each battery has its own connection, the charger does not care if they are series connected for higher voltages, or parallel connected for higher amperage. This is especially useful in higher voltage applications, like 24 volt applications where one 12 volt battery in the string is connected to some 12 volt loads (like radios, depth finders, etc.), and the batteries end up imbalanced. A straight 24 volt output charger used in this situation would not properly charge the batteries.

The XL1 single output 6 amp battery charger is appropriate for 12 volt applications where weather or harsh environments may be encountered. They have mounting flanges for permanent installation, and can tolerate water, vibration, and temperature. They are used in marine applications, like boats with a single 12 volt lead acid battery to charge/maintain, or bulk charging batteries up to about 50 amp hours. They can be used as maintenance chargers for larger capacity batteries or systems. We like the size and amperage of the XL chargers for generator and pump applications, and military or emergency vehicle applications, as they are mountable, waterproof, and vibration proof. The Dual Pro chargers shut off completely when the battery is fully charged, and monitor the system voltage, initiating a new charge cycle if/when appropriate. Some engineers prefer this charging method to reduce electrolyte or water loss.

For more information see our Battery Charging Tutorial