Sealed Lead Acid Battery FAQs

What are sealed lead acid batteries?

A sealed lead acid battery is a rechargeable battery which recombines suppressed gases, thus eliminating the need to add water.  Since they are tightly sealed, these batteries will not leak and can be installed in certain applications where "wet" batteries could not be installed.

How are these batteries sealed?

Two methods are used to seal batteries by a process of immobilizing the electrolyte, which in turn eliminates free-flowing acid.  Both these methods are "value regulated," an added safety feature during harsh operating conditions.

1. Gel Cell:  Silica gel is added to the electrolyte, causing it to "set" in gelatin form.

2. Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM):  Highly absorbent glass mat separators are used between each plate to retain the liquid electrolyte.
   

Should sealed batteries be handled and cared for differently than "wet" batteries?

Yes, Sealed batteries have unique charging characteristics.  Because water cannot be added, they are less tolerant of overcharging.  Here are two important tips to remember:

1. Do not use a "maintenance free" setting if shown on a charger.  Also, do not allow the on-charge voltage to exceed 14.8V for 12 batteries, 9.9V for 8V batteries or 7.4 V for 6V batteries.

2. The maximum charge rate in amperes should not exceed the battery's capacity at the 20-hour rate divided by three.  For example, the battery model PC12180NB has a capacity of 18 ampere hours; therefore, the maximum charge rate allowed is 18 divided by 3, or 6 amperes.
   

Why buy sealed lead acid batteries?

Sealed lead acid batteries:

1. Are maintenance free...there is no need to check liquid levels or perform other routine maintenance.

2. Are rechargeable...when charged correctly, they are capable of several hundred charge/discharge cycles.  If only a small portion of the capacity is removed on each cycle, the number of possible cycles increases proportionately.

3. Have an extended shelf life...the self-discharge rate is only 2 to 3 percent per month at 77°F.

4. Have a wide operating temperature range...they will operate from -76°F to +140°F when fully charged.  Capacity increases above and decreases below 77°F.

5. Have no memory...They provide fully rated power on demand, irrespective of previous usage patterns.

6. Utilize endurance-tested calcium grinds to extend service life under demanding conditions.
   

Where are sealed lead acid batteries used?

They are used in a wide variety of applications including toys, electric fences, radio and television communications, highway safety lights, alarm systems, computer back-up power supply systems, etc.

What sizes are available?

Sealed lead acid batteries ranges from less than two inches to more than 20 inches in length, and power availability ranges from 1.0 Ah to more than 170 Ah.

Are sealed batteries deep cycle products?

Both deep cycle and high current discharge batteries are available in the sealed lead acid line.

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