Comparison Forte CD-120 vs Forte CD-420

Nominal starting current of the starter charger or booster (see "Type").

In this case, it refers to the current that the device can deliver in engine starting mode for a relatively long period (at least 30 seconds, or even more). This indicator should not be lower than the nominal starting current consumed by the car's starter — otherwise, the device simply will not have enough power for effective starter cranking and engine starting. Information about the required starting current can be clarified by the car's documentation or by the specifications of the standard battery used in it. For most passenger cars, this figure ranges from 200 to 400 A; less powerful starting devices are mainly intended for motorcycles and other similar vehicles, while more powerful ones are for buses, trucks, and other heavy equipment, among such "starters" there are models for 400 – 600 A and even over 1000 A.

Peak starting current of the starter charger or booster (see «Type»).

The peak current is the highest current that the device can issue without problems for a short time (1 – 2 seconds). This current is significantly higher than the nominal starting current (see above), which corresponds to the operation of a car starter: as it begins to spin, the starter consumes a very high current that decreases almost immediately.

The peak starting current of the starter charger or booster should not be lower than the peak starting current of the starter. This can be specified in the car's documentation or based on the characteristics of the standard car battery used.

The highest current that the charger can provide in charging mode. For models with one current adjustment (see below), its value is also indicated in this paragraph.

Different battery models may differ in charging parameters, including over the optimum current range. Accordingly, it is worth choosing a charger in such a way that it matches this range. Detailed selection recommendations can be found in special sources — in particular, documentation for batteries.

The capacity of batteries with an operating voltage of 12 V, for which a starter charger can be used. As a rule, modern units are not designed for one specific value, but for a range of capacities, which greatly facilitates the search filter according to the required parameters.

Note that although the discrepancy between the rechargeable battery in terms of capacity is not as critical as in terms of current or voltage, this does not mean that this parameter should not be paid attention to. Both too capacious and too “small” a battery will cause the charger to work in an off-design mode, which is harmful to both the “charger” and the battery, and can even lead to accidents.

Electrical power consumed by the charger during operation. Both the amount of electricity “consumed” by the unit and the load it creates on the power grid depend on this indicator (with a power of more than 5 kW, connection is required according to special rules). Note that high current (see above) requires high power.

For universal starting-charging models (see "Type"), this paragraph indicates the power consumed in the charging mode; keep in mind that in start-up mode, power consumption can be several times higher.