Battery Tender 021-0156 Battery Tender Plus 12V Battery Charger True Gel Cell Model

by Battery Tender

Product Features

• Temperature-compensated to ensure optimum charge voltage according to ambient temperature
• Unique Gel Cell battery adjusted software allows for a slightly lower charge voltage and higher store voltage to protect sensitive true Gel Cell batteries
• Charges all lead-acid, flooded or sealed maintenance free batteries (AGM and Gel Cell)
• Complete 4-step charging program (initialization, bulk charge, absorption mode and float mode) allows for optimal constant battery levels without overcharging
• Automatically switches to float/maintenance voltage mode after fully charging the battery

Product Details

Data Sheet [PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 11 x 4 x 11 inches ; 2.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000NCOKQK
• Item model number: 021-0156
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (52 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #295 in Automotive (See Top 100 in Automotive)
  • #10 in Automotive > Tools & Equipment > Jump Starters, Battery Chargers & Portable Power > Battery Chargers
  • #14 in Automotive > Replacement Parts > Batteries & Accessories

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Battery Tender Plus 12-volt/1.25-amp Battery Charger True Gel Cell model is the best way to deal with the challenge of keeping 12-volt vehicle batteries optimally powered when not in use, especially for users who own true Gel Cell batteries. It is not only able to charge any 12-volt lead-acid battery, its specially adjusted internal software allows for a slightly lowered voltage level that protects sensitive Gel Cell batteries from the dangers of overcharging. It is also designed to be easy to use in difficult spaces, to utilize a 4-step charging program and safely function in a fully automatic mode. Taken together this makes the special Gel Cell version of the Battery Tender Plus 12-volt/1.25-amp Battery Charger an excellent means of ensuring that all your batteries are fully charged and ready to go when you are. 4-step charging with automatic float mode. View larger. The 4-step charge cycle detailed. View larger. What's a Gel Cell? The Gel Cell battery is similar to the AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery in that its contents are sealed, but different because technically the AGM battery is still considered to be a wet cell. The guts of a Gel Cell contain a silica additive that causes it to set up or stiffen, first like Jell-O, then after subsequent discharge/charge cycles more like peanut brittle. Micro-cracks form in this gelled electrolyte that provide paths for the oxygen recombination reactions between the positive and negative plates. The recharge voltages on this type of cell are lower than the other styles of lead acid battery making it probably the most sensitive cell in terms of adverse reactions to over-voltage charging, and thus needing special care. Safe, 4-step Battery Charging for True Gel-Cell Batteries Powered by BTP microprocessor technology and utilizing a 4-step charging program (initialization, bulk charge, absorption mode and float mode), the Battery Tender Plus 12-volt/1.25-amp Battery Charger allows you to simply connect the charger to a battery, either in or out of a vehicle, and forget about it until you are ready to put the battery to work. Like all Battery Tender chargers, at the end of the regular charger cycle it automatically switches its output voltage to a safe, storage or float level which eliminates the need to worry about the damaging effects of overcharging, and the resulting need to check on the condition of the battery. This is taken even further with the Gel Cell model, which possess a higher store rate and lower charge rate, minimizing the chance of mistaken overcharging. The unit also features sparkproof connectors, short circuit and reverse polarity protection, an easy to understand charging status LED indicator, a quick connect harness for use in hard to reach areas and almost no current draw from batteries connected to. Key Features: Unique Gel Cell battery adjusted software. Perfect for all lead-acid, flooded or sealed maintenance free batteries (AGM and Gel Cell). Complete 4-step charging program (initialization, bulk charge, absorption mode and float mode). Automatically switches to float/maintenance voltage after fully charging the battery. If the battery voltage drops too far under load, full charger output power resumes. Temperature compensated to ensure optimum charge voltage according to ambient temperature. Solid state two color LED indicates stage of charger. Spark proof and reverse polarity protected. Includes quick connect harness for use in hard to reach areas. 10 year warranty. Charger Models Output Voltage Output Current Charging Software*/ Battery Type AC Voltage/ Frequency Input (Volts) (Amps) Battery Tender Junior 6V Battery Charger 6V 0.750A 3 Step STD & AGM 120 VAC, 60 Hz Battery Tender Junior 12V Battery Charger 12V 0.750A 4 Step STD & AGM 120 VAC, 60 Hz Waterproof 800 12V Battery Charger 12V 0.800A 3 Step STD & AGM 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz Battery Tender Plus 6V Battery Charger 6V 1.25A 4 Step STD & AGM 120 VAC, 60 Hz Battery Tender Plus 12V Battery Charger 12V 1.25A 4 Step STD & AGM 120 VAC, 60 Hz Battery Tender Plus 12V Battery Charger (Gel Cell) 12V 1.25A 4 Step STD & AGM or GEL 120 VAC, 60 Hz Battery Tender Twin 800 12V Dual Battery Charger 12V 0.800A 3 Step STD & AGM 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz Battery Tender 12V 2-Bank Battery Management System 12V 1.25A 3 Step STD & AGM 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz Battery Tender 12V 4-Bank Battery Management System 12V 1.25A 4 Step STD & AGM 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz Battery Tender 12V 5-Bank Battery Management System 12V 2.0A  4 Step STD & AGM 120 VAC, 60 Hz Battery Tender 12V 10-Bank Battery Management System 12V 2.0A  4 Step STD & AGM 120 VAC, 60 Hz *Note: All Deltran battery chargers will charge all types of lead acid batteries: either flooded (standard STD), sealed maintenance free Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM), or sealed maintenance free gelled electrolyte (GEL) batteries. However, for optimum battery performance in deep cycle applications (for example, running a trolling motor), it is best to chose the Deltran charger that has the charging software specifically designed for the battery type. Fortunately, since the technical staff at Deltran has developed charging software that works equally well for both STD & AGM batteries, the only choice to be made is between 2 models: either STD & AGM or GEL software. 10-Year Limited Warranty Deltran provides a limited 10-year warranty on its Battery Tender Plus 12-volt/1.25-amp Battery Charger to the original purchaser based on defective material or workmanship. Warranty is void in cases of product misuse, disassembly or modification. Other details regarding warranty limitations and procedures are contained in the Deltran Battery Tender Charger's general limited warranty information sheet enclosed with this product.

Product Description

The BatteryTender Plus 12V Battery Charger True Gel Cell Model is the most advanced charger/maintainer on the market especially designed for today's GEL acid batteries. The BT Plus uses micro-processor technology in a four stage charging profile to charge, improve, and float your battery so it is ready when your are. Constant current charging and regulated voltage patterns allow the battery to be recharged fully and safely without the fear of overcharging. GEL Batteries need a lower voltage recharge and the Deltran BatteryTender does this for your automatically.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clarification on which BT+ to get, April 4, 2011

By 

George (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Battery Tender 021-0156 Battery Tender Plus 12V Battery Charger True Gel Cell Model (Misc.)

I just talked to the manufacturer. The regular Battery Tender Plus will charge lead acid, SGM, and Gel cell batteries. THIS model is not a regularly available model from the manufacturer, and should ONLY be used for the TRUE GEL BATTERY that is on the newer BMW motorcyles. This charger is optimized for that battery and is not optimized for other battery types (although it will work, but not optimally since it will not provide the best voltages needed.) A gel cell battery is not the same as a true gel battery, hence the confusion that people are having.

So .. will it work? Yes. Is it recommended by the manufacturer and optimized for other battery types? No.

The above is from my conversation with a representative from Deltran. Please do not flame me if you don't agree with what the manufacturer told me. I suggest you call them if there are disagreements. I just wanted to post this to provide some clarification since I am in the market for the Battery Tender Plus. Deltran's recommendation was to go with model 02-0128 unless I have the appropriate BMW motorcycle.

Thanks.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars What warranty?, August 6, 2011

By 

Michael R. Smith (North Carolina) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Battery Tender 021-0156 Battery Tender Plus 12V Battery Charger True Gel Cell Model (Misc.)

I purchased this product in February of 2011 and it seemed to work fine. It says that this model can be used as a battery charger and it will change from charge mode to float/maintenance charge mode without damaging the battery like trickle chargers. In July of 2011 it just stopped working while it was connected to my classic car battery in float/maintenance charge mode. Of course I bought this model for its 10 year warranty, but now I find out that in addition to having to pay to ship it to the company, I also have to pay $15.95 for them to do Warranty Evaluation, & shipping & handling fees. When you pay $47.00 for an item and it costs you around $30.00 to pay for shipping & return shipping, what is the point of the warranty? This is supposed to be "the best" of battery chargers and they basically want me to pay for anything done to the unit. I am not impressed!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great little unit - very versitile., August 23, 2011

By 

A Microbiologist (VT United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Battery Tender 021-0156 Battery Tender Plus 12V Battery Charger True Gel Cell Model (Misc.)

This little charger works great and takes up very little space. Product dimensions are incorrectly listed as 11x4x11 inches and 2.4 lb - it is aproximately 4x3x3 inches, and can't weigh more than a half pound. It also lists the "Battery Tender 081-0069-6 Ring Terminal Harness with Black Fused 2-Pin Quick Disconnect Plug" as a "frequently bought together" item, but mine came with one. You only need more if you are planning to permanently mount them to more than one vehicle.

There seems to be some confusion as to what batteries this will charge. It is optimized for gel cells, which require a lower charging voltage than AGM or flooded. However, it is compatible with the latter 2 types. If you do not have true gel cell batteries, this is not the charger you want, but if you have a mix of 12V gel cell and 12V lead acid batteries, it will handle all of them. 021-0123 and 021-0128 are optimized for AGM batteries, compatible with flooded (STD), and not reccomended for gel cells. 021-0069 is optimized for flooded (STD) batteries, compatible with AGM batteries, and and not reccomended for gel cells. The 012-0156 does everything.

The only thing this charger won't do that I need is to charge 6V batteries, but at the price, I can't expect them to include that capability, so I'll buy their 6v model also.