The LEDs on the FORM charger are designed to illuminate when connected to power. However, there can sometimes be a disruption from the power source, preventing your LED from illuminating. This can be solved by a quick check. Test your charger in a known working outlet or test another appliance in the outlet you are using for the charger.
You may also want to check your breakers to see if any are off or tripped. This can be another reason the power is not getting to your charger.
If you are still experiencing a problem after trying these solutions, please CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment with a Product Specialist.
Our smart chargers are designed with safety features to protect the health of your batteries. This is to prevent damaging batteries that may be in a state of less-than-ideal conditions.
The charger relies on sensing the golf cart batteries before engaging a charge sequence. This is a common problem, especially for new batteries. This can usually be solved with an inexpensive automotive trickle charger many people already have.
You will be using a 6 or 12-volt automotive trickle charger to recondition each battery.
Each battery should be charged for approximately 20 minutes so the pack can be detected by the FORM golf cart charger.
The battery pack will need to be reconditioned to the minimum safety voltage of 18V for 36V Carts, or 24V for 48V Carts.
If the cart still does not charge, check the battery connections. Make sure the battery cables are correctly wired and securely connected to the battery terminals. Check for any rust or corrosion on the connections as these can cause the charger to malfunction. If you are still experiencing issues, please refer to our Warranty FAQ for further information.If you are still experiencing a problem after trying these solutions, please CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment with a product specialist.
Our BLACK lithium chargers are designed with maintenance mode built into the charger to maintain your lithium batteries. Lithium will keep charged for long periods with minimal reduction in charge. Therefore most battery manufacturers don’t recommend leaving the charger on your lithium batteries. Please refer to the battery manufacturer's instructions for more information.
For additional questions, please CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment with a product specialist.
Lithium batteries do not typically build up corrosion, as they use different chemistry than other types of batteries, such as lead-acid or nickel-cadmium batteries, which can produce corrosive substances during the charging process.
However, the contacts or terminals of lithium batteries can still develop corrosion due to exposure to moisture or other environmental factors. Corrosion on the battery contacts can prevent the battery from connecting properly with the device or charger, leading to poor performance or a failure to charge.
To prevent corrosion on the battery contacts, it's essential to keep them clean and dry. You can clean the contacts with a dry cloth or a cotton swab lightly moistened with rubbing alcohol. Avoid using water or other liquids that can cause further corrosion or damage to the battery.
If you notice significant corrosion on the battery contacts or terminals, it's best to replace the battery or contact the manufacturer or a qualified technician for further assistance.
Charging batteries generates heat within the charger due to converting AC power from your wall outlet to the DC power required by your cart.
It is normal for a charger to be warm during a charge cycle.
Our smart battery chargers are designed with fans to cool the charger during operation.
The standard operating temperature is warm to the touch. The fan will automatically engage to keep the charger cool.
The ambient (air) temperature at the time of charging will affect the operating temperature of the charger. The maximum recommended air temperature for charging batteries is 105 degrees F. When the charger is hot, the output current will drop to protect the charger and the battery.
Even though the FORM charger can operate in a high ambient temperature environment, a minimum of six inches of unobstructed area should be allowed on all sides of the unit for proper air circulation and cooling. Adequate cooling and circulation will allow the charger to operate at peak efficiency.
Our smart chargers are designed with an LED light that changes colors to indicate the CHARGE STATUS of connected batteries quickly. The LED is located on the end of the charger that has the cord with the golf cart leads.
The LED will also indicate if there is a fault detected.
Whether the charger is operating correctly or there is a fault detected, the LED will indicate either situation with a combination of light colors and/or blinking patterns.
When the charger output plug successfully connects with the golf cart, the CHARGE STATUS light will illuminate based on the battery charge Status.
The LED will also Flash a pattern of Green and Red lights to notify of a fault.
Please refer to the Product Manual included with your charger for more information on LED charge status or fault indicators.
Our FORM smart chargers intelligently charge your batteries using smart charging technology for fast and efficient charging.
There are a handful of factors that influence charging time, including the current charge level remaining in your battery, weather conditions, the age of your batteries, etc.
On average, our FORM Charge smart charger will fully charge your golf cart within 8 - 12 hours. Customers often report that our chargers complete a charge cycle faster than their previous model.
Charging your batteries overnight or anytime after using your golf cart is the best practice for maintaining efficient charge levels and charging times. Battery maintenance is also critical. Maintain proper water levels, tight connections, and corrosion-free cable connections.
FORM chargers are designed to be water and dust resistant. There are easy preventative measures you can take to maintain the longevity of your charger. We understand this was an investment, and you want to properly care for your charger.
Here are easy ways to care for your charger:
Store in a cool and dry environment away from outside elements
Mount your charger to help prevent accidental dropping and keeps cords out of harms way.
Clean routinely with a damp cloth
You can leave your charger plugged in when not in use and will only draw a small amount of power to run the LED
By following these simple steps you will maintain the health of your charger. For additional questions please schedule an appointment with our Product Specialists HERE!
The Owners Manual is an important document to help customers answer questions about their chargers. We understand sometimes this document can get misplaced, so we have made a digital copy available here: Owners Manual
For additional questions, please schedule an appointment with our Product Specialists HERE!
Our smart chargers are designed with safety features to protect the health of your batteries.
A plug end getting warm is normal. A plug end getting hot to the touch is not. Electricity needs surface area to pass current along. A high current needs a larger surface area to pass from the plug to the receptacle. If the plug is not making a good connection, heat can build up in the plug and cord. This can often be remedied by replacing the cart receptacle.
Check the plug end and make sure that your plug terminals are clean and not pushed in. Also, inspect your cord for any cuts or cracks. If everything looks good, inspect your cart receptacle for damaged ends or signs of corrosion. Receptacles wear out over time and often should be replaced every few years depending on use and the elements the cart is exposed to.
If you are still experiencing a problem after trying these solutions, please CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment with a product specialist.
Our smart chargers are designed with safety features to protect the health of your batteries.
It is not required to switch your cart into TOW mode in order to charge your batteries. Our charger will charge your batteries in both RUN and TOW.
Our smart chargers are designed with safety features to protect the health of your batteries.
A battery cable getting warm is normal. A cable getting hot to the touch is not. Electricity needs surface area to pass current along. A high current needs a larger surface area to pass from the plug to the receptacle. If the cable is not connecting well, heat can build up in the cable and terminal. A loose connection or corrosion usually causes this. It is best to properly repair or replace continually hot connectors and cable wires as routine maintenance before they can lead to expensive repairs.
With the charger disconnected and the cart in TOW mode, check all battery cable connections to ensure they are tight and clear of corrosion. Also, inspect your cord for any cuts or cracks. If the cable is damaged or shows signs of rust on the terminals, clean it with sandpaper or replace it. Battery cables wear out over time and should be replaced periodically depending on use and the elements the cart is exposed to.
If you are still experiencing a problem after trying these solutions, please visit CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment with a product specialist.
Our smart chargers are designed with protections in place to help prevent short-circuiting, over-voltage, overheating, and reverse polarity. It is rated to draw 8AMP current from a standard 110 VAC outlet.
When too many devices are in a single breaker circuit, or multiple devices of high consumption are on the same circuit, it can cause the breaker to trip. Reducing the draw on a single breaker can prevent it from tripping.
Remove other devices from outlets on the same circuit and try the charger again.
If the breaker still trips, try the charger in an outlet that is on a different circuit/breaker.If you are still experiencing a problem after trying these solutions, please visit HERE to schedule an appointment with a product specialist.
Our smart chargers are designed with safety features to protect the health of your batteries. The BMS (Battery Management System) of the batteries controls the minimum amount of voltage in your batteries. This is to prevent damaging batteries in a state of less-than-ideal conditions.
If your batteries are below the minimum voltage controlled by the BMS (Battery Management System), you may have a malfunctioning BMS. We recommend that you consult with your golf cart shop for further assistance.
The FORM charger will go into maintenance mode when the BMS (Battery Management System) tells it to turn off. Lithium-ion batteries are designed to be charged to a specific voltage, usually between 4.2 and 4.3 volts per cell. Once the battery has reached this voltage, the charger will stop charging to prevent overcharging, which can damage the battery.
The FORM charger is designed to turn off when instructed by the BMS.
It's essential to use a charger designed for the specific type of lithium-ion battery you are using and to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for charging to prevent overcharging or other issues that can affect battery performance or safety.
The FORM charger will go into maintenance mode to keep the batteries topped off. Most lithium batteries have very little charge loss over time, so leaving the charger on the batteries isn’t necessary.
It's essential to use a charger designed for the specific type of lithium-ion battery you are using and to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for charging to prevent overcharging or other issues that can affect battery performance or safety.
Our FORM Charge lithium smart golf cart charger is designed to maintain your batteries if you leave it plugged into 110 power as long as the BMS you are using will allow it.
The FORM charger will start charging the batteries when you plug it into 110 power if the BMS (Battery Management System) tells it to start charging your batteries. A properly functioning BMS is critical to a lithium battery system.
Please refer to your battery or BMS manufacturer owner’s manual for more information. For additional questions, please schedule an appointment with our Product Specialists HERE!
Our FORM Charge lithium smart golf cart charger is designed to put out voltage whenever it is connected to 110 power and the BMS requests it.
This can be checked by verifying it is putting out voltage during the charging cycle with a multimeter. The FORM Charger only charges when the BMS (Battery Management System) tells it to charge the batteries.
The BMS is a critical part of your lithium battery system and it is very important to have a properly functioning BMS. This helps ensure the longevity of your lithium batteries.
Please refer to your battery or BMS manufacturer owner’s manual for more information. For additional questions, please schedule an appointment with our Product Specialists HERE!
Our FORM Charge lithium smart golf cart charger is designed to put out voltage whenever it is connected to 110 power and the BMS requests it.
The FORM Charger relies on the BMS (Battery Management System) to tell it when to turn off. If the BMS is calling for a charge, our charger will continue to charge the batteries.
The BMS is a critical part of your lithium battery system and it is very important to have a properly functioning BMS. This helps ensure the longevity of your lithium batteries.
Please refer to your battery or BMS manufacturer owner’s manual for more information. For additional questions, please schedule an appointment with our Product Specialists HERE!
Yes, this charger has a BMS activation and reset function that can be used to reset a BMS that may have errored out. The charger has an open circuit voltage designed to reset the BMS when it detects an error.
However, it's important to note that while the BMS reset function can be helpful in some cases, it may not always be effective in fixing BMS-related issues.
If you're experiencing persistent problems with your BMS or battery, we recommend consulting a professional technician or the manufacturer for further assistance.
The charger is specifically designed for lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, which are a type of rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The charger can work with LFP battery packs designed for 36V and 48V golf carts.
It is important to note that the charger's voltage and charge voltage output must match the specifications of the battery pack being charged. The nominal and charge voltage for a 48V LFP battery pack is 51.2V and 58.4V, respectively. The nominal and charge voltage for a 36V LFP battery pack are 38.4V and 43.8V, respectively.
If you are uncertain whether your lithium battery pack is compatible with this charger, it is recommended that you consult the manufacturer's specifications or contact the manufacturer directly for clarification.
In addition to protection and balancing, a BMS can provide other features such as:
Monitoring and displaying the battery's state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), and other relevant parameters.
Predicting the remaining battery life and estimating the time to full charge or discharge.
Providing data logging and reporting capabilities for maintenance and diagnostic purposes.
Controlling the charging and discharging of the battery according to user-defined settings and preferences.
Providing communication interfaces to enable remote monitoring and control of the battery system.
Overall, a battery management system is a critical component in ensuring the safe, reliable, and optimal performance of rechargeable batteries in various applications.
If you have specific questions related to your BMS we recommend consulting a professional technician or the manufacturer for more details.
Yes, this charger has a BMS reset function that can be used to reset a BMS that may have errored out. The charger has an open circuit voltage designed to reset the BMS when it detects an error.
However, it's important to note that while the BMS reset function can be helpful in some cases, it may not always be effective in fixing BMS-related issues.
If you're experiencing persistent problems with your BMS or battery, we recommend consulting a professional technician or the manufacturer for further assistance.
Yes, we have a 36 & 48V charger that will work with 36 or 48V - 12V LiFePO4 batteries connected in series. Select the BLACK FORM charger that matches the voltage of your LiFePO4 battery packs used in golf cart.
To ensure that your battery pack is correctly charged and balanced, it is recommended to occasionally charge each 12V battery individually using a single 12V LiFePO4 charger. This will ensure that each battery within the pack is charged correctly and balanced, which can help to extend the lifespan of the battery pack and improve overall performance.
For additional questions, please schedule an appointment with our Product Specialists HERE!
Yes, this charger is compatible with all 16S LiFePO4 battery (51.2 nominal voltage) systems with a battery management system (BMS). This includes custom LiFePO4 battery packs for 48 or 36V golf carts.
Therefore, you can use this charger to charge your custom LiFePO4 battery pack without any compatibility issues, as long as it is a 16S system with a BMS. Just select the BLACK FORM charger that matches your battery pack series voltage.
For additional questions, please schedule an appointment with our Product Specialists HERE!
The maximum charging voltage of the 36V charger is 43.8 volts DC at 18 amps.
This charger is designed to work with 36V LiFePO4 battery packs used in golf carts. It has an output voltage that is calibrated to provide optimal charging performance for this type of battery.
It is important to ensure your battery pack is compatible with this charging voltage before using the charger to avoid potential battery damage.
For additional questions, please schedule an appointment with our Product Specialists HERE!
The maximum charging voltage of the 48V Charger is 58.4 Vdc at 15 amps. This charger is designed to work with 48V LiFePO4 battery packs used in golf carts.
It has an output voltage that is calibrated to provide optimal charging performance for this type of battery. It is important to ensure your battery pack is compatible with this charging voltage before using the charger to avoid potential battery damage.
It's essential to refer to the manufacturer's documentation for the specific battery you are using to determine the appropriate charging amperage. For additional questions, please schedule an appointment with our Product Specialists HERE!
The required charging amperage for a LiFePO4 battery depends on the battery's amp-hour capacity. The charging amperage is measured in DC charging amps and determines the speed of the charge. Generally, the maximum charging amperage load that a LiFePO4 battery can handle is around half of its total amp hour rating.
For example, if you have a 60 amp hour LiFePO4 battery, the maximum charge rate can be up to 30 amps (0.5C). However, please note that the specific charging specifications may vary between different LiFePO4 batteries.
It's essential to refer to the manufacturer's documentation for the specific battery you are using to determine the appropriate charging amperage. For additional questions, please schedule an appointment with our Product Specialists HERE!
The FORM LiFePO4 charger requires less than 8 AC amps to operate.
As a result, a typical household breaker rated for 110 volts and 15 amps would be sufficient for the charger's power requirements. Therefore, a 15-amp breaker should be appropriate for your FORM LiFePO4 charger.
For additional questions, please schedule an appointment with our Product Specialists HERE!
No, it is not necessary to leave your LiFePO4 battery pack on the charger during storage.
LiFePO4 batteries have a very low self-discharge rate and can hold their charge for a long time, so they do not require constant charging. However, it is important to disconnect the battery pack from the device or equipment it powers to prevent any parasitic draw that may slowly discharge the battery. So, disconnect the battery pack from the golf cart or any other device/equipment it powers during storage.
Please consult the manufacturer's documentation or contact them directly for specific information.
The minimum temperature for charging LiFePO4 batteries depends on the specific manufacturer's recommendation and the type of charger being used.
Generally, most LiFePO4 batteries can be charged safely at temperatures above freezing (0°C or 32°F). However, charging at temperatures below 0°C (32°F) can cause irreversible damage to the battery and should be avoided.
It is essential to follow the manufacturer's recommended charging temperature range for your specific LiFePO4 battery to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Some LiFePO4 batteries may have a lower recommended minimum charging temperature.
Please consult the manufacturer's documentation or contact them directly for specific information.
To calculate the approximate charging time for your LiFePO4 batteries, you can use a simple formula.
First, divide the battery's amp hour capacity by the charger's amperage. For example, a 100-ah battery with a 15 amp charger would take approximately 6.6 hours to charge.
Please note that this calculation assumes the battery is fully depleted, and actual charging time may vary if the battery is not completely drained.
The runtime of a fully charged LiFePO4 battery will depend on several factors, including the battery's capacity, the amount of current being drawn, and the battery's temperature.
As a general rule, you can estimate the runtime of a LiFePO4 battery by dividing its amp hour rating by the current draw-in amps. For example, a 100-ah battery powering a device that draws 10 amps will provide approximately 10 hours of runtime.
Please note that actual runtime may vary based on application and usage patterns.
If your battery gauge always displays a full charge, it may indicate a problem with the gauge itself or the wiring that connects it to the battery. However, it's also possible that you have the wrong gauge type installed for your battery.
Lead acid and LiFePO4 batteries have different characteristics, and their gauges work differently. Lead acid gauges determine battery life by measuring the voltage remaining, while LiFePO4 battery levels are determined by the amount of power used. LiFePO4 batteries maintain the same voltage until they are depleted, so a gauge designed for a lead acid battery may not accurately display the remaining power in a LiFePO4 battery.
If you suspect that the gauge is the issue, it's important to check the gauge's compatibility with your battery type and consult the manufacturer's documentation. You may need to replace the gauge or rewire it to work with your LiFePO4 battery.
Your battery gauge may not be accurate because you have the wrong gauge type installed.
Lead acid and LiFePO4 batteries require different gauge types. If you have a lead acid gauge installed on a LiFePO4 battery, for example, it will not accurately reflect the battery's remaining charge. LiFePO4 batteries maintain the same voltage until depleted, while lead acid batteries display a drop in voltage as the battery is used.
If you suspect that the gauge is the issue, it's important to check the gauge's compatibility with your battery type and consult the manufacturer's documentation. You may need to replace the gauge or rewire it to work with your LiFePO4 battery.
The reason for your golf cart stopping after a short ride and requiring a recharge could be the battery management system (BMS) triggering an event that shuts down the battery, such as overcurrent.
If you have a larger speed controller and motor that draws a higher amperage, the BMS may not be able to handle the load. As a result, the BMS may have been triggered due to the increased load on the battery, causing the golf cart to stop working.
To fix this issue, you may need to reset the BMS by reconnecting the charger to the battery to allow it to reset. This should clear any events that have been triggered and allow the battery to function normally again. However, if the problem persists, you may need to consult a professional to diagnose the issue further.
No, you should not use a charger designed for lead-acid batteries with a LiFePO4 battery pack.
Lead-acid batteries and LiFePO4 batteries have different chemistries and charging requirements, so a charger designed for one type of battery may not be suitable for the other. In particular, charging a LiFePO4 battery with a lead-acid charger can lead to overcharging, which can cause the battery to overheat and potentially become damaged.
LiFePO4 batteries require a charger that is specifically designed for them, which will typically have a different charging profile than a lead-acid charger. LiFePO4 chargers will usually have features such as voltage and current regulation, temperature monitoring, and safety protections that are tailored to the unique needs of LiFePO4 batteries.
Therefore, it is important to use a charger that is specifically designed for LiFePO4 batteries to ensure that they are charged safely and correctly.
This may be due to various reasons. Following is a list of items to check to help determine the cause.
Verify the DC terminals are correctly connected to the LiFePO4 battery.
Unplug the charger for 10 seconds from the wall outlet.
Plug the charger back into the wall outlet.
If the charger status light is still flashing green/red, verify the BMS (Battery Management System) is functioning correctly.
For additional questions, please schedule an appointment with our Product Specialists HERE!
This may be do to various reason including the amount of battery discharge, environment, battery amp-hours, etc. to name a few.
A 36V or 48V cart that has depleted LiFePO4 batteries can take several hours to charge. To calculate the average charge time, take the Amp-hours of your battery pack and divide it by the charger's amperage. Example 100AH battery/15A charger = 6.6 hours of charge time.
For additional questions, please schedule an appointment with our Product Specialists HERE!
The FORM Charge charging statuses are outlined in the table above.
LED FAULT Diagnostics
The LED will flash a pattern of green and red to notify of a fault. The dashes represent a 1-second pause with no LED.
To reset the charger or any LED faults, unplug the AC wall plug for 10 seconds, and plug it in again. The temperature faults will automatically start charging operations once the temperature has returned to a normal operating temperature.
Still Have Questions
Please schedule an appointment with our Product Specialist Here!
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