Storing Your Sealed Lead Acid Battery
Proper storage keeps a sealed lead acid (SLA) battery dependable when you place it back into service. These batteries slowly lose charge during storage, so temperature, charging habits, and overall environment shape how well they hold capacity over time.
Storage Conditions
A steady, cool space protects the battery more effectively than anything else. Store SLA batteries between 5°F and 104°F, and aim for temperatures below 86°F whenever possible. Heat speeds up chemical reactions inside the battery and drains stored energy faster. Cooler conditions slow this process and preserve capacity.
A dry indoor location works better than a garage or shed exposed to temperature swings. Maintain relative humidity between 25% and 85%. The priority is preventing condensation and moisture buildup. Keep the battery away from direct sunlight and dust so the case and terminals stay stable.
Always store the battery fully charged. A partially charged SLA battery becomes vulnerable to sulfation, which permanently lowers usable capacity. Charging it before storage gives the plates a better starting point.
Self-Discharge During Storage
SLA batteries naturally lose charge even when they are disconnected. A simple rule of thumb helps plan around this: expect about 10% self-discharge per month at typical indoor temperatures. Heat increases that number, while cooler conditions slow it down.
If a battery sits too long at a low charge level, it may never fully recover. Periodic recharging prevents this. An off-the-shelf automotive trickle charger usually works well for SLA batteries as long as it maintains a safe, low charging current and includes automatic regulation. Many modern chargers detect battery type and manage the voltage appropriately.
Restoring Capacity After Storage
A battery coming out of storage often needs time to return to normal performance. Devices with built-in trickle charging usually take 48 to 72 hours to bring an SLA battery back to full charge. A few full charges followed by moderate discharges help stabilize the battery’s chemistry.
If capacity remains noticeably low after proper charging, storage conditions may have caused permanent aging.