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Battery Types
Lead Acid batteries fall into two main categories, Flooded and Valve Regulated. Flooded batteries include, Low Maintenance (the most common type) and Maintenance Free. Low maintenance batteries require periodic checking of topping of the electrolyte levels in each cell. Valve regulated batteries come in the form of Gelled Electrolyte and Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM).
Deep Cycle
Deep Cycle batteries are required to provide a lower level of current output for a much longer duration to a deeper level of discharge than an engine starting battery. If you were to regularly discharge an engine starting battery to 50% of its capacity (called 50% DoD – Depth of Discharge) the battery would only provide a relatively low number of discharges (cycles) before the plates would deteriorate and the battery would fail. Deep Cycle batteries are made of thicker plates with a more dense active material which resists this deterioration. Different separators are used along with the anti-vibration construction found in Endurant Marine Batteries. With these features, the battery can withstand the potentially damaging effects of continual deep discharge and recharge.
VRLA Gel Batteries
Sealed, Valve-Regulated (SVR) Gelled-Electrolyte Batteries offer many significant advantages over conventional “flooded” batteries. Gel batteries are spill proof and leak proof, and resist over-discharges that can shorten the life of the battery. Gel batteries have a self-discharge rate of less than 1% per month (at an ambient temperature of 20°C). They provide ample cranking amperage for quick, sure starts. Their SVR design minimises gassing, making them safe to install around people and sensitive electronic equipment. Gel batteries offer a viable alternative when you can only choose one battery. Gel batteries are maintenance free.
Charging for a long life, always use a good, constant potential, voltage regulated charger. For 12V batteries, charge to at least 13.8V but NO MORE THAN 14.6V @ 20°C, for 6V batteries, charge to at least 6.9V but NO MORE THAN 7.3V @ 20°C. Do not charge in a sealed container. For Sealed Lead Acid/Synergy Gels please follow battery side label voltage information. Please note that the Gel battery charging specification has increased from previous model Gel batteries sold prior to 2012. This new information applies to batteries from 2012 onwards (13.8V to 14.1V applies to all batteries prior to 2012).
VRLA AGM Batteries
Sealed, Valve-Regulated (SVR) Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries use special absorbed electrolyte technology that is superior to flooded lead-acid batteries. Fine, highly porous micro fibreglass separators absorb the electrolyte, increasing efficiency by lowering internal resistance and boosting capacity. Lower internal resistance also means AGM batteries can be recharged faster than conventional batteries, allowing the user to put them back into operation sooner. The completely sealed, valve-regulated AGM battery minimises gas emissions and acid leakage for longer and safer battery operation. AGM batteries are also completely maintenance free. Charging: Use a quality, constant potential, voltage-regulated charger. For 12V AGM batteries, charge to at least 14.4V, but no more than 14.6V at 20°C. Do not charge in a sealed container.
Open Circuit Voltage vs. State of Charge Comparison
|
Charge |
Silver Calcium |
Flooded Calcium/Calcium |
Flooded Lead Antimony |
Gel |
AGM |
|
100 |
12.80V |
12.80V |
12.65V |
12.70 – 12.80V |
12.80V – 12.90V |
|
75 |
12.65V |
12.65V |
12.45V |
12.65V |
12.60V |
|
50 |
12.44V |
12.44V |
12.24V |
12.35V |
12.30V |
|
25 |
12.19V |
12.19V |
12.06V |
12.00V |
12.00V |
|
0 |
11.97V or less |
11.97V or less |
11.89V or less |
11.80V |
11.80V |
Notes:
- Divide the values in half for 6V batteries
- The “True” O.C.V (Open Circuit Voltage) of a battery can only be determined after the battery has been removed from the load (charge or discharge) for 24 hours
