FAQ
1. What are deep cycle batteries?
Deep-cycle batteries typically feature thick plates with a high-density active material. The thick battery plates allow for reserve energy to be stored deep within the battery plate and released during slow discharge such as trolling or electronic instrument use. The high-density active material remains within the batteries' plate/grid structure longer, resisting the normal degradation found in cycling conditions. They are typically used where the battery is discharged to great extent and then recharged such as a battery powered trolling motor on a fishing boat.
2. Why do batteries have different voltages and capacities?
Different devices operate at different voltages and power levels. They all require batteries that provide the necessary power output at a minimum discharging voltage. The voltage of a given battery depends on the number of single cells connected in series and on their electrochemical system. For instance, a lithium-manganese-dioxide cell has a nominal voltage of 3V, a rechargeable lead-acid cell offers 2V, while an alkaline-manganese cell has an initial voltage of approx. 1.5 V, that decreases during discharge to 0.9 V and below.
The capacity of a battery is determined by the amount of chemical energy stored inside its housing. It determines - for a given current of a given device - the service life of the battery.
In order to properly operate a specific electrical device, the battery's operating voltage must be matched to that of the device; and the correct battery capacity must be selected in order to provide the necessary operating time for the device. The battery must be able to deliver the power required: its internal resistance must be smaller than that of the device.
3. How long may batteries be stored idle?
In principle, no battery can be stored without loss of energy, although some battery systems may be stored for longer periods of time than others. Processes inherent to the battery's electrochemical system cause a gradual, but unavoidable loss of usable energy which, however, is predictable. The best known process is "self-discharge". This generally has to do with the electrolytic solubility of the positive electrode material or its thermodynamic instability (e.g. spontaneous decomposition).
3. How long may batteries be stored idle?
In principle, no battery can be stored without loss of energy, although some battery systems may be stored for longer periods of time than others. Processes inherent to the battery's electrochemical system cause a gradual, but unavoidable loss of usable energy which, however, is predictable. The best known process is "self-discharge". This generally has to do with the electrolytic solubility of the positive electrode material or its thermodynamic instability (e.g. spontaneous decomposition).
Self-discharge in rechargeable batteries (secondary batteries, accumulators) is particularly high in comparison to primary batteries. At room temperature the rate of self-discharge is in the range of 15% to 25% per month, depending on the system. Of the rechargeable systems, solar batteries have an unusually low self-discharge rate of only 10% per month.
Electrochemical self-discharge in primary batteries is considerably lower, and may even be below 2% per year at room temperature. However, various processes take place in parallel with this which lead to an increase of the battery's internal resistance during storage. These processes lead to a reduction in load capability. Loss of usable energy becomes noticeable only at release (e.g. motor applications, flashlights etc.). This effect, however, has nothing to do with high discharge rate self-discharge. At low discharge rates the increased internal resistance which occurs during storage will not be detectable.
4. What is the best way to store batteries?
A general rule is: the higher the storage temperature, the worse the capacity retention and vice versa. A refrigerator, with a temperature range from 0°C to 10°C, is a good place for storing batteries, especially primary batteries. The refrigerator may, of course, also be used to store secondary batteries, but since they are rechargeable, their loss of capacity during storage may be better compensated by recharging, particularly as they can take up substantial space in the refrigerator (e.g. automotive batteries)
5. How do I know when to test / replace my battery?
You may need to test / replace your battery if:
1) Your starter motor is experiencing slow or interrupted turnover;
2) Your instrument panel indicates battery discharge for extended periods after the engine is running;
3) Your battery seems to lose power quickly in cold or extended starts; or, 4) Your headlights dim at idle.
Any of these warning signals may also indicate a problem with the electrical system in your vehicle and not necessarily a battery failure. If you suspect that your battery is failing, have it tested or replaced as soon as possible.
4. What is the best way to store batteries?
A general rule is: the higher the storage temperature, the worse the capacity retention and vice versa. A refrigerator, with a temperature range from 0°C to 10°C, is a good place for storing batteries, especially primary batteries. The refrigerator may, of course, also be used to store secondary batteries, but since they are rechargeable, their loss of capacity during storage may be better compensated by recharging, particularly as they can take up substantial space in the refrigerator (e.g. automotive batteries)
5. How do I know when to test / replace my battery?
You may need to test / replace your battery if:
1) Your starter motor is experiencing slow or interrupted turnover;
2) Your instrument panel indicates battery discharge for extended periods after the engine is running;
3) Your battery seems to lose power quickly in cold or extended starts; or, 4) Your headlights dim at idle.
Any of these warning signals may also indicate a problem with the electrical system in your vehicle and not necessarily a battery failure. If you suspect that your battery is failing, have it tested or replaced as soon as possible.
6. Does overcharging cause damage?
Overcharging occurs when the full capacity is recovered by recharging and the battery remains on charge. This overcharging creates excessive heat that can cause the battery plates within the cells to buckle and shed their active material. The battery will react to the overcharge by producing an excessive amount of hydrogen and oxygen. These gases are the result of the breakdown of the water molecules within the electrolyte. The water that has been displaced by overcharging can be replaced in a serviceable (non-sealed) battery, but, in the maintenance-free sealed batteries, permanent capacity loss will result.
Excessive battery discharging can cause damage to a battery. The amount of discharge a battery can have without damage depends upon its chemistry. In general, a lead acid battery will not tolerate as deep a discharge as a NiCad or NiMh battery. Sealed lead acid batteries function best if they are discharged to only about 85% of nominal voltage (10.2V on 12V battery).
7. Why do the winter months seem to bring more battery problems?
The main reason is that batteries have to work so much harder in cold weather. Engine oil is thick, so engine cranking effort is much higher. Also, a battery's charging efficiency decreases in cold temperatures. In addition, gasoline does not vaporize as readily in the cold, which means that even more battery cranking effort is required.
8. How do you determine whether a battery has been charged ?
The following characteristics will tell you if a battery has been properly charged:
1) The specific gravity of the acid is over 1.275 (conventional type batteries only).
2) Maximum voltage output across battery terminals can be maintained at constant level for 2 hours.
3) Open circuit voltage is stabilized @12.7v or higher @ 6.3v or higher for 6 volt batteries.
9. What can cause a new battery to fail soon after installation?
If a new battery becomes unserviceable within a few days or weeks after its installation it may be due one or more of the following reasons:
1) A faulty charging system.
2) A short circuit in the electrical system.
3) Battery terminals are dirty or not properly connected.
4) Excessive ignition off drains or high parasitic drains.
5) Electrical capacity of the battery is insufficient for size of the vehicle.
6) The battery has been inadequately activated, dissipating its strength from the outset.
7)The battery, after being filled with acid has been left too long without initial charging, and has been allowed to become sulfated.
10. What is the cause of "Sudden Battery Failure"?
The length of service you receive from your lead acid battery and whether it dies a slow or sudden death has a direct relationship on the environment its used in and how it has been maintained. This maintenance is very basic, but often overlooked. Lack of basic maintenance can result in reduced service life and in some cases, sudden battery failure. Unlike tires, belts, hoses, etc., your battery may not indicate that its life is almost over until it’s too late. Component failure due to under or over inflated tires, loose belts, and nicked or kinked hoses may have been a result of lack of basic maintenance, but people seem to accept this and move on. Maybe its felt that time and money can be saved on this maintenance and since they can visually monitor the state of health of those parts, replacement can be scheduled. In many vehicles the battery is not easily accessible and routine maintenance can be often overlooked. Unfortunately, there is no convenient way to monitor the state of health in your battery, so in many cases you replace the battery when the vehicle fails to start. Murphy’s law applies and battery failures often occur at the worst possible time or place.
2) Maximum voltage output across battery terminals can be maintained at constant level for 2 hours.
3) Open circuit voltage is stabilized @12.7v or higher @ 6.3v or higher for 6 volt batteries.
9. What can cause a new battery to fail soon after installation?
If a new battery becomes unserviceable within a few days or weeks after its installation it may be due one or more of the following reasons:
1) A faulty charging system.
2) A short circuit in the electrical system.
3) Battery terminals are dirty or not properly connected.
4) Excessive ignition off drains or high parasitic drains.
5) Electrical capacity of the battery is insufficient for size of the vehicle.
6) The battery has been inadequately activated, dissipating its strength from the outset.
7)The battery, after being filled with acid has been left too long without initial charging, and has been allowed to become sulfated.
10. What is the cause of "Sudden Battery Failure"?
The length of service you receive from your lead acid battery and whether it dies a slow or sudden death has a direct relationship on the environment its used in and how it has been maintained. This maintenance is very basic, but often overlooked. Lack of basic maintenance can result in reduced service life and in some cases, sudden battery failure. Unlike tires, belts, hoses, etc., your battery may not indicate that its life is almost over until it’s too late. Component failure due to under or over inflated tires, loose belts, and nicked or kinked hoses may have been a result of lack of basic maintenance, but people seem to accept this and move on. Maybe its felt that time and money can be saved on this maintenance and since they can visually monitor the state of health of those parts, replacement can be scheduled. In many vehicles the battery is not easily accessible and routine maintenance can be often overlooked. Unfortunately, there is no convenient way to monitor the state of health in your battery, so in many cases you replace the battery when the vehicle fails to start. Murphy’s law applies and battery failures often occur at the worst possible time or place.
Unlike most other parts on a vehicle, a battery may last longer in a vehicle that is used frequently as opposed to a battery in a vehicle that is used less frequently, assuming that little or no maintenance is being performed on the battery and that the vehicle’s electrical system is operating properly. This is a result of the most important and basic maintenance item, keeping your battery fully charged. The second major maintenance item in a conventional battery is maintaining proper electrolyte levels. Improper attention to these two maintenance items will contribute to the accelerated corrosion of internal connections. The corrosion associated with the inter cell connectors and the connecting welds will in many instances result in a sudden battery failure. The corroded connector may have sufficient integrity to support low drain accessories such as lights and instruments, but lack the necessary strength to provide the high discharge current required to start the vehicle.
The use of maintenance-free batteries (Absorbed Glass Mat) reduces many of the maintenance concerns associated with a conventional battery and thus is less prone to sudden battery failures. There is no need to check electrolyte levels but keeping the battery fully charged is still important.?
11. How should a battery be maintained?
Good battery maintenance should include the following:
1) Always keep the acid level between Lower and upper lines on front side of the container (conventional type batteries).
2) Do not let the battery stand in a discharged condition.
3) Charge battery once a month.
4) When motorcycle is stored over 30 days, plug in a Yuasa automatic battery charger to maintain a proper storage charge.
5) Keep battery top clean, dry and free of dirt.
6) Clean battery terminals to prevent corrosion. Inspect vent tube, ensuring that it is not bent, twisted or clogged.
7) Protect the battery from strong impacts or shocks.
11. How should a battery be maintained?
Good battery maintenance should include the following:
1) Always keep the acid level between Lower and upper lines on front side of the container (conventional type batteries).
2) Do not let the battery stand in a discharged condition.
3) Charge battery once a month.
4) When motorcycle is stored over 30 days, plug in a Yuasa automatic battery charger to maintain a proper storage charge.
5) Keep battery top clean, dry and free of dirt.
6) Clean battery terminals to prevent corrosion. Inspect vent tube, ensuring that it is not bent, twisted or clogged.
7) Protect the battery from strong impacts or shocks.