Batteries FAQ's
What does deep cycle mean?
Deep cycle means using the battery in an application that
will typically discharge 60% to 70% or more of the battery
capacity. An automotive battery is an SLI (starting, lighting,
ignition) battery. It's plates are designed to deliver maximum
power for a short duration. Starting a car typically discharges
an SLI battery only 1% to 3%. When an SLI battery is used
in a deep cycle application, or in a vehicle with heavy accessory
loads, the battery life will be shortened proportionally to
how deeply it is cycled on a regular basis.
When should I consider a deep cycle?
Any time you need the battery to supply all the operating
power for a vehicle or other device. Additionally, deep cycle
batteries should be used in vehicles that have heavy accessory
loads where the alternator cannot maintain the battery in
a fully charged condition. This is typical of large bow thrusters.
How do small batteries, such as the Optima
& SBS produce high power?
This new range of engine start batteries have been specifically
designed to provide extreme high current very quickly whilst
maintaining a high stable voltage. This is only possible if
internal resistance is very low. This is achieved by using
pure lead for plate construction. Ordinary batteries use lead-calcium
alloy plates with a higher resistance that limits power output
in high rate applications. Usually very large and heavy batteries
- generally in excess of 100Ah are specified to compensate
for this limitation.
What are "dry" and what are "liquid" batteries?
The terms "dry battery" and "liquid battery" are restricted
to primary systems and date from the early development of
galvanic elements. At that time, a liquid cell consisted of
an electrolyte-filled glass container into which electrochemically
active electrodes were immersed. It was only later that unspillable
cells which could be used in any position and had a completely
different construction were introduced, these being similar
to today's primary batteries. These earlier cells were based
on paste electrolytes. At that time they were known as dry
batteries. In this sense today's primary batteries are also
dry batteries.
The term "liquid battery" is in principle still
applicable to certain modern secondary batteries. For large
stationary lead-acid or solar batteries, liquid sulfuric acid
is preferred for the electrolyte. For mobile applications
unspillable, maintenance-free lead-acid batteries are recommended
and have been available for many years. Their sulfuric acid
is immobilized by a gel (or a special microglass mat).
Leak-proof semi-traction batteries, are they
available?
Yes. Dry from Sonnenschein and Squadron batteries are leak-proof.
They use a gelled electrolyte and are leak-proof even when
stored upside down. The Drymobil battery from Sonnenschein
and Squadron are used on boats, in house trailers or in small
electric vehicles (golf buggies, wheelchairs etc.).
Does my deep cycle battery develop a memory?
Lead acid batteries do not develop any type of memory
What type of charger should I buy?
An automatic charger offers the greatest convenience. Just
plug the battery into the charger and the charger does the
rest. Manual chargers, although equally effective at charging
batteries, require a greater level of attention. Generally
speaking, automatic chargers are priced higher than manual
chargers
Also, see our Chargers
FAQ's section here.
Do you ever add acid to a battery?
Under normal operating conditions, you never need to add acid.
Only distilled, deionized or approved water should be added
to achieve the recommended levels mentioned above. When a
battery is shipped in a dry state or accidental spillage occurs,
electrolyte should be added to the battery. Once filled, a
battery should only need periodic water addition .
What are common mistakes made by lead acid
battery owners?
Undercharging: Generally caused by not allowing the
charger to restore the battery to full state of charge after
use. Continually operating the battery in a partial state
of charge, or storing the battery in a discharged state results
in the formation of lead sulfate compounds on the plates.
This condition is known as sulfation. Both of these conditions
reduce the battery's performance and may cause premature battery
failure. Undercharging will also cause stratification.
Overcharging: Continuous charging causes
accelerated corrosion of the positive plates, excessive water
consumption, and in some cases, damaging temperatures within
a lead acid battery. Deep cycle batteries should be charged
after each discharge of more than 50% of the batteries rated
capacity, and/or after prolonged storage of 30 days or more.
For any further questions please contact
us here.
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