Automatic battery charger Güde GAB 12V/6V-4A
Güde GAB 12V/6V-4A is an automatic inverter battery charger for 6 V and 12 V batteries, with a 4 A charging current, a 10-stage processor-controlled charging process and battery capacity support from 4 to 120 Ah. Manufactured by Güde GmbH & Co. KG, Wolpertshausen (Germany), founded in 1979. Distributed in Italy by Krollit, official Güde distributor since 2007.
- Mains voltage: 230 V / 50–60 Hz
- Output voltage: 6 V / 12 V
- Charging current: 4 A
- Power consumption: 70 W
- Compatible battery capacity: 4–120 Ah
- Battery types: PB (lead-acid), GEL, AGM, WET, LiFePO4, EFB
- Charging stages: 10 (fully automatic)
- Recovery function for deeply discharged batteries: present
- Protections: reverse polarity, short circuit, overcharge
- Net weight: 0.5 kg
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 220 x 60 x 90 mm
- Compliance: CE
Krollit logistics and support
Dispatch within 3–5 working days from Krollit warehouse, Monteforte Irpino (AV), Italy. Technical assistance in Italian at +39 0825-1494022.
Who is the GAB 12V/6V-4A for
| Profile | Suitability | Reason |
|---|
| Owner of a car, motorbike, scooter or quad with a 12 V battery | Suitable | Charges and maintains batteries from 4 to 120 Ah; the float maintenance function extends battery life in vehicles stored for extended periods. |
| Owner of a vehicle with a 6 V battery (classic cars, vintage motorbikes) | Suitable | One of the few consumer chargers compatible with 6 V; battery type is selected manually on the control panel. |
| Workshop or auto electrician with intensive daily use on multiple vehicles | Not suitable | Maximum current is 4 A; rapidly charging 60–120 Ah batteries in a professional environment requires 10–25 A chargers with faster cycles. |
Not suitable for: lithium batteries other than LiFePO4 chemistry (e.g. Li-ion NMC/LCO), 24 V systems, continuous workshop use with rapid vehicle turnover.
Technical specifications
| Mains voltage | 230 V |
| Frequency | 50–60 Hz |
| Output voltage | 6 V / 12 V |
| Power consumption | 70 W |
| Charging current | 4 A |
| Compatible battery capacity | 4–120 Ah |
| Battery types | PB (lead-acid, incl. MF), GEL, AGM, WET, LiFePO4, EFB |
| Charging stages | 10 automatic |
| Technology | Inverter with processor control |
| Display | LCD |
| Direct charging on vehicle | Possible (battery connected to vehicle) |
| Recovery function for discharged batteries | Present |
| Float maintenance charge | Permanent |
| Protections | Reverse polarity, short circuit, overcharge |
| Clamps | Fully insulated |
| Hanging hook | Present |
| Length | 220 mm |
| Width | 60 mm |
| Height | 90 mm |
| Packaging dimensions (L x W x H) | 290 x 150 x 70 mm |
| Net weight | 0.5 kg |
| Gross weight (packaging) | 0.7 kg |
| Güde article code | 85145 |
| GTIN | 4015671683816 |
| Compliance | CE |
Frequently asked questions
Does the GAB 12V/6V-4A charge LiFePO4 batteries fitted to modern motorbikes?
Yes. The charger includes a dedicated LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) programme, selectable from the control panel. It is not compatible with other lithium chemistries such as Li-ion NMC or LCO found in some electric vehicles.
LiFePO4 technology is found in many modern motorbikes, scooters and quads as a lighter alternative to lead-acid with a higher cycle life. The dedicated charging profile respects the specific voltage and current parameters for this chemistry, unlike standard lead-acid chargers which could damage the cells.
Does the 10-stage charging process protect the battery from premature wear?
The 10-stage cycle includes initial diagnosis, desulphation, bulk charge, absorption, equalisation, float maintenance and a final test. Each stage is managed automatically by the processor without user intervention.
The desulphation stage is particularly important for partially sulphated lead-acid batteries, a common problem in vehicles left stationary for weeks. The float stage maintains the charge without risk of overcharging, making the GAB 12V/6V-4A suitable for permanent connection during the winter season or for vehicles in storage.
Does the recovery function work on completely discharged batteries (0 V)?
The rescue/recovery function is designed for deeply discharged batteries that a conventional charger would reject. The device applies a minimal current to bring the voltage back to a level sufficient to start the normal charging cycle.
The outcome depends on the physical condition of the battery: if cells are damaged by advanced sulphation or internal short circuit, recovery is not possible. The GAB 12V/6V-4A indicates this via the LCD display. The function is manually selectable and does not activate automatically, to avoid charging unrecoverable batteries.
Can the GAB 12V/6V-4A be used with the battery still fitted to the vehicle?
Yes. Direct connection to the installed battery is supported and described in the manual. The fully insulated clamps and reverse polarity and short-circuit protections safeguard the vehicle's electronics during charging.
For modern vehicles with sensitive control units (start&stop, active energy management) it is advisable to consult the vehicle manual to check whether the manufacturer recommends additional precautions before connecting an external charger. The inverter-regulated output voltage does not generate spikes that could interfere with the control units.
What is the difference between AGM, GEL and WET batteries, and does the GAB 12V/6V-4A distinguish them automatically?
