Preventive Maintenance, Charging and Equalization (605)

This bulletin describes preventive maintenance and recommended charging procedures to maximize battery life. The leading cause of premature
battery failure is improper charging and poor battery maintenance.  To avoid battery sulfation, a lead acid battery must be equalized or given a
controlled overcharge on a regular preventive basis. Equalization is very important and must be preformed correctly but only as required.

Preventive Maintenance

When a battery is first received the cell acid levels should be checked and the battery should be put on charge. After removing from charge the specific
gravity readings of each cell should be recorded and kept for the life of the battery.. If the electrolyte levels are low before the battery is put into service
do not add water but contact your dealer or Surrette Battery Company Limited. Only add water as it is consumed.

Preventive maintenance involves, at a minimum, checking the cell electrolyte level for correct acid volume once a month and equalizing once every six
months. The cells should be watered back to the original acid level which is 1/4 - 1/2" below the bottom of the vent well (tube inside the battery cell with
slots on each side). Distilled water is preferred but local water (not chlorinated) maybe acceptable if it is not "hard" or does not contain high iron levels.
Use of non-distilled water can cause mineral build-up in the battery cell.

The minimum recommended preventive maintenance program is summarized as follows:

1. Water each cell to original level as required

2. Equalize as required or once every six months
3. Record the specific gravity readings of each cell every three months.

Occasionally cleaning the battery terminals and case / cover is a good practice and recommended. A weak solution of household baking soda and
water can be used to neutralize any spilled acid (100 g per liter or 4 Oz per pint). Make sure the vent caps are securely tightened and NO soda solution
gets into the battery cells.

Good record keeping is stressed as review of these records can help to determine the "health" of the battery and can prove invaluable if system
problems develop.

When the bank is first put into service a pilot cell should be monitored to assure the batteries are being properly charged. Measure and record the
specific gravity of the pilot cell when the battery is thought to be fully charged (after the bulk charge) and compare this with the previous reading.

State of Charge and Charging

The truest measure of a battery's state of charge is the SPECIFIC GRAVITY of the battery acid. The following shows the approximate state of charge
at various specific gravities at 77ºF / 25ºC.

Charged Specific Gravity

100% 1.265-1.275
75% 1.225-1.235

50% 1.190-1.200

25% 1.155-1.165

0% 1.120-1.130

Hydrometers can be difficult to use and at best accurate to +/-0.005 points. Please see Bulletin 606 for correct hydrometer use. Voltage can be used to
estimate state of charge but caution must be taken when interpreting voltage readings. See, Bulletin 609, Voltage, Specific Gravity and State of
Charge.

We recommend a three step charging procedure. Recommended voltage settings are as follows:

  Volts per cell 12V 24V 48V

         

Equalization 2.58 -2.67 (max) 15.5-16.0 31.0-32.0 61.9-64.1

Absorption/Bulk 2.37-2.45 (max) 14.2-14.7 28.4-29.4 56.9-58.8

Float 2.20-2.23 (max) 13.2-13.4 26.4-26.8 52.8-53.5

         

To calculate the correct settings for another battery bank voltage divide the total nominal voltage by two and use this number as a multiplier. For
example a 18V system, 18/ 2 = 9, equalization preferred = 9 x 2.58 = 23.2 V

Caution: The ideal float voltage is the lowest voltage setting that will maintain the battery at full charge. The higher the voltage the more water the cell
will consume. The minimum equalization voltage is highly recommended unless it is suspected a sulfation problem exists and a corrective equalization
is required.

Absorption times are dependent on the battery series (4000 or 5000). The recommended times are general guidelines and the optimum time is
dependent on absorption (bulk) voltage settings, charging current and should be adjusted such the batteries are brought back to full charge and use a
small amount of water (approximately 5 ml (1/8OZ) of water per 100 AH of battery capacity per cycle assuming a 10% overcharge).

Absorption Time 4000 series   2 hours

Absorption Time 5000 series (CS, KS plate types)   3 hours

Equalization Time - Preventive   2-3 hours

Equalization - Corrective

Corrective equalization needs to be performed if symptoms arise such as a constantly running generator (low capacity) or the battery bank will “not
hold a charge”. These symptoms are typical of a heavily sulfated battery. If a battery is not being fully charged on a regular basis or limited equalization
is performed using a generator (see Bulletin 611, Generators, Inverters and Equalization) sulfation will occur from “deficit” cycling. This undercharge
condition can take months before it becomes a major and noticeable problem. This under charge condition is caused when batteries are deficit cycled.
The bank receives less of a charge each cycle and starts to sulfate. Eventually the sulfate will cause a resistance to charge and a “false high voltage”
reading will occur. The “false high voltage” is measured by the charge controller, which further lowers the charging current to maintain the voltage set
point. This further increases the undercharge condition. This is one reason why specific gravity measurements are so important as “false high voltage”
readings can be misleading. See Bulletin 609, Voltage, SG and State of Charge for information on how to correctly interpret voltage readings.
Amperage hour meters can compound the problem and cause people to believe they are returning the correct amount of energy back into the batteries
to maintain a good state of charge. Amp-hr meters should be thought of as simply a fuel gauge that does not measure state of charge directly but
indirectly. The state of charge is determined by using an equation (peukert's equation). Sometimes there can be fundamental errors with factors used
in these calculations. You should always confirm, at least initially, state of charge by taking a specific gravity measurement of one cell when it is
thought the bank is fully charged.

Corrective Equalization - Method

Corrective Equalization can take a very long time depending on the degree of sulfation. It is not recommended to equalize with a generator as some
generators produce low grade AC that is not properly filtered by the inverter. This is especially true at higher voltages.

1. If you have hydrocaps remove during equalization.

2. Set charging controls to the highest voltage allowable by the charge controller (inverter). If the bank is severely sulfated or available current
is very limited, charge control can be removed or by-passed. Temperature should be monitored very, very closely and keep below 125ºF.
3. Charge at a low DC current (5 A per 100 AH of battery capacity). If grid power is not available use solar panels or a good DC source when
possible. At high voltages, charging with generator can be difficult and hard on the inverter.
4. Once an hour, measure and record the specific gravity and temperature of a test cell. If the temperature rises above 115ºF (46ºC) and
approaches 125ºF (52ºC) remove the batteries from charge. (For temperature measurement choose a center cell, if applicable).
5. If severely sulfated, it may take many hours for the specific gravity to rise.
6. Once the specific gravity begins to rise the bank voltage will most likely drop or the charging current will increase. The charging current may
need to be lowered if temperature approaches 125ºF (46ºC). If the charge controller was by passed, it should now be used or put back in
line.
7. Continue measuring the specific gravity until 1.265 is reached.
8. Charge for another 3 hours. Add water to maintain the electrolyte above the plates.
9. Allow bank to cool and check and record the specific gravity of each cell. The gravities should be 1.265 ± 0.005 or lower. Check the cell
electrolyte levels and add water IF necessary.

To avoid this situation it is recommended that a specific gravity reading of one pilot cell is measured and recorded on a regular basis when it is thought
that the bank is fully charged. The measurement should be compared to previous readings. If the measurement is lower than the previous reading a
longer absorption time and higher voltage setting should be used. Note as stated above, the longer the absorption time and the higher the bulk voltage,
the more water will be consumed but less equalization will be required. Note: the specific gravity should rise as the cells use water. Look for trends in
the specific gravity over a period of time and make very small adjustments as necessary.

Caution: If you have HYDROCAPS, remove during equalization.

Pulse Charging

Pulse charging has shown that banks do not get as severely sulfated as ones with traditional 3 step charging when subjected to the same undercharge
conditions. Pulse charging will lower the degree of sulfation but it will not eliminate the need for a controlled, preventive equalization. The benefit of
pulse charging is that the bank will require less overcharge and, therefore, less maintenance.

Battery Additives

Most battery additives are mainly a form of a common preservative, EDTA. These additives help to increase the solubility of the sulfate in the
electrolyte (common salt effect). Some additives contain cadmium sulfate and this could cause disposal problems in the future. These additives are not
beneficial and are not recommended.
 Battery Servicing Tips
 
The ways & means to increase the life and performance of lead-acid batteries

The most important part is the care during initial filling and charging which determines the
life & performance and knowledge about how a lead-acid battery works.
Followed by proper and regular routine and preventive maintenance of the battery banks.
To take corrective measures, one must have the knowledge of the normal failure modes of
lead- acid batteries & the reasons for the failure.
If any one is conversant of the failure mode and the reason for same, then will be in a
position to rectify / prevent before it is too late.

 
Initial filling & charging (IFC)

General requirement

The battery room should be clean, dry & cool, with proper lighting & ventilation. Batteries
to be cleaned before initial filling.
Matching constant current charger, should be available capable to supply requisite volt &
amps designed to give at 6% rate of charge up to 2.75 VPC at toc voltage.
Sufficient quantity of battery grade sulphuric acid of 1.220 + 0.005 sp. Gravity at 27ºc
conforming to be 266 & battery grade water conforming to be 1069 should be available.
Some stock of 1.400-sp.gravity sulphuric acids at 27ºc for adjustment after full charging, if
required.
Don’t use the blind plugs supplied with batteries. Keep the vent plugs loose in position, to
avoid explosions.
Caution: do not use any metallic vessel, only use plastic vessel & protective wears. Never
take open flame near cells. Never connect the cable loosely with the cells / batteries to
avoid sparks & chance of explosion / melting.

 
General requirement: Making dilute Acid

If dilute acid prepared from concentrated acid at site, care to be taken. Do not use wooden
or any other metal stirrer but to use plastic/lead ined wooden oar only to aviod
contamination. Compressed air can be used for mixing but care should be taken to trap oil
acid to be used.
To follow all laid down safety rules for diluting acid from 1.840-concentrated acid.
The acid to be used after cooling, sp. Gravity corrected to 27ºc.
Use ‘acifil pump’ or siphoning with spring loaded control lever trap, during acid filling to
avoid spillage and surface / earth leakage.
 
Acid Filling Procedure:

The battery physically for any damages/visible cracks and cleaned prior to filling of acid.
Check the sp. Gravity of acid of all the jerry cans corrected to 27ºc prior to filling.
Pour cool dilute battery grade sulphuric acid 0f 1.220/1.190 sp. Gravity up to the max. level
by ‘acifil pump’, siphoning pipe or with funnel & jug carefully. Do not over fill to avoid
spillage.

Polarity check & Rest period Procedure:

Just after acid filling, to check polarity of the cells by checking the voltage of all the cells,
if any cell wrongly reverses assembled. The voltage observed is not that important at this
point. Also check for any leakage visible after filling.
Allow 12 hours rest for the cooling; allow the plates & separators to soak acid, but not more
than 24 hours. Top up again with acid, same as filling- in sp. Gravity.

 
Putting on First Charge Procedure:

Use only DC ‘constant current’ charger only for initial charging of batteries.
Ensure the charger in working condition and capable of supplying requisite volt & amps
required for the batteries to be charged.
Take care of polarity and connect the pos. Terminal of batteries with the pos. & neg.
Terminal with neg. Of the charger, respectively.
Charging may be done in 2 steps or single step. In our tropical country advisable to charge
in single step, specially in summer - For ‘2 step charging’ the initial current to be 12% of
the C10 capacity of battery upto 2.36 VPC and followed by 6% of the C10 rated capacity of
the battery upto 2.75 VPC. (For 500Ah battery 60 amps & 30 amps respectively). - For
‘single step’ charging, the battery to be charged continuously at the current 6% of the C10
rated capacity of the battery upto 2.75 VPC, till the end of charging e.g. 30 amps upto 2.75
VPC for a 500 Ah battery till end.

 
Condition of Fully Charged Procedure:

To continue DC charging at ‘constant current’ till the following conditions of fully charged cells are observed:

All cells are gassing freely at toc voltage, 2.75 VPC at 6% - the finishing rate.
No rise of voltage for 3 to 4 consecutive hourly readings, after reaching 2.75 VPC
No rise of sp.Gravity for 3 to 4 consecutive hourly readings, after reaching 2.75 VPC
Theoretical Ah input to be kept at the back of the mind- the input to be approx. 4.5 to 5
 times of the Ah capacity of the battery i.e. For a 500 Ah battery the total Ah input to be
2250 Ah to 2500 Ah. (approx.time 75 to 85 hours)

 
Checks & Record during charging Procedure:

The electrolyte temperature should not be allowed to increase beyond 50ºc, during charging
if the temperature goes above 50ºc, the charging to be suspended till the temp. of electrolyte
comes down to 40º c, then only start the charging again.
Record the readings of sp. Gravity, voltage and the electrolyte temp. of cells, initially every
4 hourly and every hourly, after the cell voltage reaches 2.4 VPC.

 
First C10 Capacity test Procedure:

Batteries now charged ready - give a rest period of 12 hours for cooling & settling but not more than 24 hours.

Connect the batteries with suitable load and conduct C10 capacity test at constant current,
upto ‘end voltage’ 0f 1.85 VPC e.g. For a 500 Ah battery at 50 amps for 10 hours. Take
hourly readings and record the volt, sp. Gr.& electrolyte temp. Of all cells. If any cell
voltage comes to 1.85 volt before 10 hours, the cell to be recharged / checked before taking
for commissioning.

 
Recharge after C10 Capacity test Procedure:

Recharge the batteries immediately after discharge by constant current charging at 6% of the rated Ah capacity of the battery upto 2.75

VPC, till the batteries are fully charged- i.e. All cells are gassing freely, constant voltage, constant sp. Gr., theoretical 130% Ah input given,

when 100% of Ah taken out during discharged.

 
Adjustment of Sp. Gravity Procedure:

After batteries are fully charged, the sp. Gravity of the electrolyte of all cells to be adjusted
to the service gravity i.e. 1.210 /1.250 ± 0.005, at 27ºc. the batteries to be put on charge for
proper mixing.
If sp. Gravity in cells more than service gravity corrected to 27ºc. Take out acid and add
battery grade water, when on charge for proper mixing.adjust sp. Gravity to the service
gravity corrected to 270 c. As applicable with respective batteries.
If the sp. Gravity of the cells less than the service gravity at 270 c take out acid and add
1.400 sp. Gr. Acid by few drops, on charge for proper mixing. Adjust the sp. Gravity to the
service gravity at 270 c as applicable.
After adjustment of the specific gravity, continue the charging for 1- 2 hours for proper
mixing of the electrolyte. Stop the charging and allow the batteries to cool, before
commissioning.
 
The normal failure modes of lead - acid batteries

Sulphation in cells

Over discharge
Allowing a battery to stand idle
Starvation
Allowing electrolyte to fall below the top of plates
Impurities
Adding acid instead of water

 
Bucking of plates:

Over discharge
Continued operation with battery in starved condition
Charging at high rates
Non- uniform distribution of current over the plates, due to repeated deep discharge

 
Shedding of active materials

Normal shedding
Excessive charging rate, or overcharging
Charging sulphated plates at too high rate
Charging only a part of the plate
Deep discharge battery on normal charge.
Freezing.

 
Container trouble

Rough handling: any storage battery to be handled as if made of glass, though the
containers made with hard rubber, SAN or FRP. Heavy batteries should be handled by
more than one person or by mechanical handling and not to be dropped / dragged. This will
lead container crack/ damage.
Explosion in cell: may cause due to open flame, electrical sparks and clogged vent holes.
Bulging of container: this is be due to under curing of the container.
Stacking should be restricted to max. 3 high, with hard board in between layers
 
Terminals/ connector corrosion

Too much topping water added to cells

Battery poorly sealed
Loose vent caps / float guide
Electrolyte spillage
Battery cable damaged, or loose
Connecting bare wires directly to battery terminals.
Loose terminal connections
Non application or renewal of petroleum jelly for protection

Loss of capacity

Impurities in the electrolyte

sulphation
Loose active materials
Incorrect proportions of acid and water in the electrolyte
Separators clogged
Shedding
Low level of electrolyte
Effect of age

 
Internal short circuit

Worn out separators

Lead run
Foreign material
Accumulation of sediment

 
Reversal of plates

Assembling of the cell in reverse direction.

Charging a battery in wrong direction.
 Lagging / defective cell in battery bank will be reversed if not taken care in time

 
Earth / surface leakage in battery

Over filling of battery water.

Careless hydrometer use, spillage of electrolyte.
Careless acid filling during initial filling & charging.

High sp. Gravity of electrolyte

Over filling of battery water.

Low sp. Gravity of electrolyte
High level of electrolyte
Low level electrolyte
Impurities

The importance of 'equalising charge

To ensure that every cell in a battery bank is maintained in healthy state to give enhanced life & performance it is advisable to give

‘equalising charge’ atleast once in a year. Under ‘constant potential’ mode during operation a passive layers form on the plates. This causes

variation of sp.gravity & voltage from cell to cell. To take care the battery bank to be put on ‘constant current charging at 6% of rated

capacity upto 2.75VPC, followed by an extended charge for 12 to 24 hours on ‘constant current’ charging at 3% of rated capacity. By this

the cells are rejuvinated with fresh layer of active material, all the cells will show approx. Same sp. Gravity & voltage. As low current was

given during 3% rated amps of the Ah capacity. This will not affect the activated portion of the plates, but will remove the patches of

sulphate from the plates back to the solution, increasing the sp. Gravity of cells. so, it is mandatory to give equalising charge, once in

ayear,if not earlier.

What is Autofil System?

 Single point intelligent water Topping - up system for battery

Peripheral of Autofil system

   
 Hose Clamps   Filter cartridge   Flow indicator
         

   

PVC hoses   Dust cap   Connectors

Battery Maintenance Information  

EZ-GO BATTERY MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING!!!

WATERING - MONTHLY CHECK THE LEVEL IN EVERY CELL AND FILL THE BATTERIES TO THE CORRECT LEVELS AS
REQUIRED. The use of a battery-watering gun will assist in accurately completing this task. Water should be added, if needed,
after the charging has been completed unless the tops of the internal plates are exposed. In that case, water should be added
before charging.

Be sure that a water suitable for watering batteries (colorless, odorless, tasteless, and suitable for drinking), preferably distilled
water, is utilized. If you have any doubt as to the suitability of the water, have it tested and add an appropriate water line filter, if
required.

It is most important that all battery cells be filled to the correct level in order to obtain good battery life and minimize corrosion
to the electrical system and vehicle.

CLEANING - MONTHLY WASH THE BATTERY TOPS WITH A SOLUTION OF 1/4 CUP (60ML) BAKING SODA TO 1 1/2
GALLONS (6 TO 1) OF CLEAR WATER.

After watering spray the tops and sides of the batteries, the battery wiring and the battery racks with baking soda solution; let
the solution stand for at least five minutes to allow the neutralization to take place.

Rinse the entire area with a low- pressure spray of clean water. Do not wash electrical components with direct stream of high
pressure water.

If any evidence of corrosion is evident (green powered foam), spray again with baking soda and let the solution stand for at
least 5 minutes before rinsing; repeat if required.

Deposits on battery tops must be removed because they are conductive and cause self-discharge of the battery. Scrub the
battery tops with a bristle brush soaked in baking soda solution. Rinse with clear water.
Never wash batteries without first neutralizing the entire battery area with a baking soda solution.

CHARGING - DAILY RECHARGE THE BATTERIES AFTER USE. Golf car batteries should be charged between rounds if
possible.

Before charging batteries, inspect all termination for frayed conductors and loose or damaged connector. Inspect all termination
to assure that they are both clean ( corrosion free ) and securely fastened to battery post.

A fully charged battery will not freeze in winter temperatures.

In the "off season" the batteries should be fully charged, disconnected from the charger and stored in an unheated covered
area. Check the batteries during the "off Season" at thirty - day intervals, recharge and disconnect charger after charging. DO
NOTleave the charger connected to the vehicle during "off season" storage.

EZ-GO Cars equipped with DCS feature must be stored with the tow/maintenance/run switch in the tow/maintenance position. 

Winter Weather -- 

Can Your Batteries Stand the Cold?
by Rick Farris
Manager of Technical Reliability, Club Car, Inc. 

It has been my experience that batteries in an electric golf car are often the most misunderstood of all the vehicle’s
components.  What makes a battery operate still seems to mystify a good many people whose jobs are to maintain large fleets
of electric golf cars. Recharging, watering and cleaning are the fundamentals for proper battery preventive maintenance. An
intimate knowledge of battery design and operation isn’t a maintenance prerequisite, but a working understanding of what’s
going on the inside of one surely will help. 

Most golf car manufacturers have provided in their maintenance and service manuals and technical training seminars, a basic
outline of how lead–acid batteries function.  If you haven’t read your manual or haven’t attended a factory sponsored training
class, you need to do so, as soon as possible.

One of the most misunderstood aspects of battery maintenance is cold weather storage.  In many areas of the country where
extreme cold weather temperatures prevent winter play, golf cars must be stored until the following season.  In some locations,
this can be for up to seven months.  So what needs to be done to prevent the batteries in your golf car fleet from becoming
damaged during long periods of storage?  Probably not as much as you might think.

Contrary to what many believe, golf car batteries love cold weather, for storage that is.  I have personally heard stories about
golf courses having their mechanic pull out all the batteries in a fleet, place them on pallets and move them into a heated
storage facility.  There, all the chargers were brought in, each group of six batteries wired together complete with a charger
receptacle, and then charged periodically throughout the remainder of the winter.  Can you imagine the work involved in doing
that with an 80 to 100 car fleet?  None of this is necessary! Batteries can be stored while still in their cars and will survive even
in subfreezing temperatures if a few simple rules are followed.

Before placing any batteries in a storage situation, understand there is a condition called stand loss discharge (loss of
electrolyte specific gravity) that will affect their life span and survivability.  Batteries, without the benefit of frequent recharging,
will rapidly self-discharge, especially in warm weather.  The higher the ambient temperature, the higher the degree of self-
discharge.  I have included a chart (Stand Loss Capacities) that demonstrates the severity of this situation by showing how
quickly batteries stored at various temperatures can go from a fully charged condition to becoming deeply discharged and
possibly damaged, often permanently. Notice that batteries stored at a temperature of 42°F (6°C) display much less stand loss
discharge than the other two examples shown at higher temperatures.  Even after 19 weeks, the batteries are at approximately
1.245 specific gravity, well above the sulfation threshold of 1.220.  This means the lower the storage temperature, the less the
batteries will self-discharge. And the lower the temperature, the better. Even at 0°F (-18°C), batteries will maintain their charge
for an extended period of time. Of course, this is all predicated on the batteries being clean, in good condition, and
being fully charged prior to being placed into storage.  These conditions are imperative, and they are the keys
to successful winter storage.  Unless your fleet is equipped with a charging system that will automatically turn on and assess
battery condition and perform a periodic “maintenance charge,” I highly recommend you disconnect the battery pack wiring
after the full charge prior to storage if the chargers are not going to be used.  I would also advise you to inspect the batteries
monthly, taking sample specific gravity readings and checking chargers and circuit breakers if the chargers are to be used
during storage, just to be sure there are no problems.

There is always concern that batteries will freeze during cold weather storage.  They certainly can and will unless a sufficient
charge is maintained.  Take note of the charts listing temperatures at which batteries can freeze (Electrolyte Freezing Point
@ Various States of Charge).  As long as the proper specific gravity (state of charge) is maintained, batteries will not
freeze.  If you compare stand loss discharge at the temperature ranges listed, you’ll see batteries stored at temperatures even
well below 0°F (-18°C) will maintain their state of charge for an extended period as long as the temperature remains at that
level.

See, that wasn’t so difficult, was it?  Now when someone asks if your batteries are ready for cold weather, you’ll know the
answer.

Q — If my batteries do go dead from storage, what do I do? 

A — Due to a safety circuit in most chargers, the charger will not turn on if the pack voltage is lower than 25-30 volts on a 48
volt car (about 40 volts for a 72 volts car). Turn off disconnect or remove 36/48 GND, and charge each battery individually with
a 12 volt automotive type charger. Use a medium current (10-40 Amps) for about 30 minutes to 1 hour per battery. Once the
pack voltage is high enough, turn on disconnect and plug in charger. 

E-mail Us For Your Best Quote 

Battery Specs 

Frequently Asked Questions

Automotive 

Deep Cycle Marine/RV 

Sealed Lead Acid 

Marine/RV Battery FAQs

QUESTION 1: What is a deep cycle battery?
QUESTION 2: How are deep cycle batteries different from automotive batteries?
 QUESTION 3: What is the difference between MCA (Marine Cranking Amps) and CCA (Cold Cranking Amps)?
QUESTION 4: How important is an Ah (ampere hours) rating?
QUESTION 5: How do I care for my marine/RV battery?
QUESTION 6: Should I discharge the battery deeply the first few times I use it?
QUESTION 7: What happens when you overcharge a deep cycle battery?
QUESTION 8: How long should a consumer expect to receive maximum performance out of a deep cycle battery?
How do I select the proper type of battery to meet my needs? What special features should I look
QUESTION 9:
for when purchasing a deep cycle battery?

ANSWER 1: A deep cycle battery is designed to withstand hundreds of deep discharges and recharges over its lifetime. The
term "deep", in this situation, refers to the amount or depth of discharge (in percent of total battery capacity) the battery can
repeatedly withstand. The term "cycle" refers to one discharge and recharge of the battery of any depth. Therefore, a deep
cycle battery can be discharged to a high percent of its total capacity repeatedly. back to top

ANSWER 2: 
Automotive Starting Batteries
The primary difference between deep cycle and automotive starting batteries originates at the manufacturing level. As an
example, a starting battery is manufactured with thinner plates and less dense chemical active material than a deep cycle.
Thinner plate construction allows an increased amount of plates per individual cell subsequently permitting an increased CCA
(Cold Cranking Amps) rating capability. This is primarily due to an automotive starting battery being utilized to produce short
burst of high rate current (in amps) to start a vehicle’s engine. Because this burst of energy is such a short duration, typically
10-15 seconds, the total amount of battery discharge (in percent of total capacity) is considered shallow. An automotive starting
battery, as a result of internal construction, can withstand thousands of shallow starting cycles over the period of its life but only
a minimal number of deep cycles. 

Deep Cycle Batteries

Deep cycle batteries, as the name indicates, are designed specifically to endure repetitively deep discharges. To withstand the
repeated deep cycles, the battery is manufactured with thicker plates combined with a denser chemical active material. These
batteries can be utilized to provide extended operation for electrical accessories in vehicles including boats, motor homes, Rvs
and campers. Back to top

ANSWER 3: MCA (Marine Cranking Amps) is the discharge load in amperes that a new, fully charged battery at 32ºF can
continuously deliver for 30 seconds while maintaining a terminal voltage equal to or higher than 1.20 volts per cell. This is a
more recently used method for rating the starting power of marine/RV batteries. MCA is always greater for a battery than its
CCA, and both should be displayed on the battery. 

CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) is the discharge load in amperes that a new, full-charged battery at 0ºF can continuously deliver for
30 seconds while maintaining a terminal voltage equal to or higher than 1.20 volts per cell. This is the most commonly used
method for rating the starting power of automobile batteries. Back to top

ANSWER 4: The ampere hours (Ah) rating is important when determining the type and amount of batteries needed to meet
your specific component loads. An approximate Ah rating can be attained by multiplying the battery's RC (reserve capacity)
rating by 0.6 for median-sized batteries. For example, 180 RC x 0.6 = 108 Ah. Back to top

ANSWER 5: Here are some tips to avoid common mistakes: 

1) Check the state of charge of your deep cycle battery before using or storing it. This may be done using a hydrometer or a
voltmeter. 

2) Prior to recharge, check the electrolyte levels in each cell by carefully removing the vent caps and ensuring that the
electrolyte level is minimally 1/4 inch above the plates on all cells. Allowing the electrolyte levels to become too low or too high
can cause a reduction of the battery’s capacity or spillage. 
3) If the electrolyte level is too low, add water to the battery. Always use distilled water to avoid damage to the battery from
impurities. 

4) Check with the manufacturer for details and recommendations before charging a sealed, maintenance-free battery. 

5) Recharging should only be done in a well-ventilated area. 

6) Recharge your battery as soon as possible after you have finished using it. 

7) After recharge, recheck the electrolyte level. If needed, fill to 1/8 inch below the bottom of the filler tube vent well. Back to top

ANSWER 6: A marine/RV deep cycle battery does not require a deep discharge at any time in its service life. For best results,
we recommend that you discharge shallowly or moderately for the first five to 10 cycles. In order to optimize performance of a
marine/RV battery, it is recommended that the battery level not be lower than 50% capacity. Repeatedly discharging more
deeply than 50% of capacity may cause a decrease in cycle life and performance. Back to top

ANSWER 7: Overcharging a deep cycle battery occurs when the total capacity removed has been replaced by recharging and
the battery remains on charge. This overcharging creates excessive heat, which may cause the plates within the cells to buckle
and shed their active material, shortening battery life. The battery will react to the overcharge by producing an excessive
amount of hydrogen and oxygen. These gases are formed when water molecules within the electrolyte are broken down. The
water that has been displaced by overcharging can be replaced in a serviceable, unsealed battery. In a maintenance-free,
sealed battery, however, no water can be added. Back to top

ANSWER 8: The maximum performance and service life will depend upon maintenance, recharging and the amount of use the
battery receives. Batteries that are rated in cycle life should deliver that number of cycles prior to dropping to 60% of its original
capacity. (A cycle is one discharge and recharge.) However, this may not apply if the battery is stored for a long period of time
or is not properly maintained. Back to top

ANSWER 9: You should look for a high-quality battery with sufficient capacity to operate all of your electrical equipment. Most
boats, trolling motors and electronic equipment are stamped with an amp requirement. To determine which type of battery you
need: 

1) Determine the sum of your total power requirements in amps; 

2) Determine the sum of your approximate usage time in hours; 

3) Multiply hours and amps to get number of ampere hours (Ah); and 

4) Divide total ampere hours by 0.50 (50% DOD) to maximize battery cycle life. 

If you have more questions about deep cycle batteries, ask an Interstate marine/RV battery dealer. Your dealer will help you
find a dependable marine/RV battery with plenty of power to cover all of your desired applications. Call 1-212-758-2222 for the
marine/RV battery dealer. Back to top 

 
Sealed Lead Acid Battery FAQs
QUESTION 1: What are sealed lead acid batteries?

QUESTION 2: How are these batteries sealed?

QUESTION 3: Should sealed batteries be handled and cared for differently than 'wet' batteries?

QUESTION 4: What are the selling features of Interstate's sealed lead acid batteries?
 QUESTION 5: Where are sealed lead acid batteries used?

QUESTION 6: What sizes are available?

QUESTION 7: Are sealed batteries deep cycle products?

ANSWER 1: 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. Back to top

ANSWER 2: 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 "valve 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. Back to top

ANSWER 3: 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
12V batteries, 9.9V for 8V batteries or 7.4V 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 three, or six amperes. Back to top

ANSWER 4: Interstate's 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 2-3% 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 grids to extend service life under demanding conditions. Back to top

ANSWER 5: They are used in a wide variety of applications including toys, electric fences, radio and TV communications,
highway safety lights, alarm systems, computer back-up power supply systems, etc. back to top

ANSWER 6: Interstate's sealed lead acid battery line 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. Back to top

ANSWER 7: Both deep cycle and high current discharge batteries are available in the sealed lead acid line. Back to top

DISCLAIMER: The above information is provided to the public freely, any and all procedures should be done by trained
authorized personnel.
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