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Yes. Sealed lead acid batteries can be used in any orientation.
No. Sealed lead acid batteries do not suffer from memory effect. In fact, draining the battery may result in damage.
No. Sealed lead acid batteries do not require the use of water.
A gel cell or gelled electrolyte is a sealed battery containing semi-solid electrolyte and may also be identified as a sealed lead acid, AGM (absorbed glass mat) or VRLA type battery. AGM batteries are sometimes referred to as starved electrolyte because the fiberglass mat contained within the cell is saturated only 95% with acid and there is no excess liquid. Nearly all AGM batteries are VRLA or valve regulated. VRLA batteries are designed with a valve that allows the battery to keep a slight positive pressure.
All sealed lead acid batteries self-discharge. If the capacity loss due to self-discharge is not compensated for by recharging, the battery capacity may become unrecoverable. Temperature also plays a role in determining the shelf life of a battery. Batteries are best stored at 70° F. When batteries are stored in areas where the ambient temperature varies, self-discharge can be greatly increased. Check the batteries every three months or so and charge if necessary.
Sealed lead acid battery life is determined by many factors. These include temperature, depth and rate of discharge, and the number of charges and discharges (called cycles).
It may have been under-charged or over-charged. Check your charging device periodically to ensure it is working properly. Also, make certain you are using the right chemistry for your application.
Yes. Most sealed lead acid batteries are declared non-hazardous for air shipping. Some exceptions apply.
A float application requires the battery to be on constant charge with an occasional discharge. Cycle applications charge and discharge the battery on a regular basis.
These are actually different types of batteries. The common marine battery is often rated to marine cranking amps. It is designed to offer a quick shot of amperes in a very short time span. These batteries can provide thousands of starts but can usually only withstand 50 or so cycles. A deep cycle battery is designed with the capability of being discharged and charged hundreds of times. Many of these batteries may be totally discharged or drained before they are ever recharged.
Connecting your batteries in series will generate a higher voltage. The total voltage is the sum of all individual voltages. Connecting the batteries in parallel will increase the capacity or amp hours. When you connect your batteries in a "string" (either in parallel or series) and find a battery that is not charging properly, we suggest that the entire string be replaced.
With SLA batteries, you can generally disregard the brand name on the battery itself.
Here's what you need to check for:
- Does the Voltage match? (6v, 12v, etc)Is the capacity close to the original battery? This is listed in "ah" or Amp Hours.
In most cases, you'll want the same or slightly higher capacity.
- Will it fit? Does it match the dimensions of your existing battery?
- Does it have the appropriate connectors? Learn more about battery terminal types.
Have a question? Contact us before purchasing!