| Ampere Hour (ah): |
A measure battery capacity defined as the ability of
battery to sustain a 1 amp load for 1 hour. For example
an 80 ah battery could sustain an 80 amp load for one
hour or 40 amp load for two hours and so on. |
| Reserve Capacity: |
A measure of battery capacity usually used to for deep cycle batteries.
Reserve capacity is specified in minutes (res min) and is normally
rated at a 25 amp load although other loads may be used and would
be indicated if they were. For example a battery with a reserve
capacity of 120 minutes could sustain a 25 amp draw for 120 minutes
or a 12.5 amp draw for 240 minutes and so on. |
| CCA: |
Cold Cranking amps, a measure of battery capacity to
start an engine. Defined in amps and rated at 0 deg F.
for example a 500 CCA could sustain a 500 amp draw
for 30 seconds at 0 deg Fahrenheit. |
| CA: |
Cranking Amps, measure of battery capacity for engine starting.
It is the same as CCA except it is rated a 32 deg Fahrenheit. |
| Equalizing: |
Equalizing is a maintenance procedure for deep cycle
batteries where the batteries are charged at a higher
than normal voltage for a period of several hours to
remove sulfating and prolong battery life. Consult your
battery and inverter manufacturers for information.
|
| Deep Cycle: |
A battery type that is designed for longer discharge and charge
periods. Deep cycle batteries typically have more lead and thicker
plates and longer to recharge. Deep cycle batteries are ideal for
“House”use in RV’s. These batteries are rated
in “ah” or reserve minutes. |
| Starting Battery: |
A battery type that is designed to supply high amp
output for a short period of time to start an engine.
These batteries are rated in CCA or CA and are
called cranking batteries. |
| Dual Purpose: |
A battery type designed for use as a deep cycle and for engine
starting. |
| Specific Gravity: |
The measurement of the strength of battery electrolyte. It is
defined as the weight of the electrolyte compared with the weight
of water. It is tested using a hydrometer and is an indicator of
battery state of charge and of the battery’s condition. |
| Flooded Cell: |
A battery constructed by suspending lead plates and separator
grids in acid (electrolyte). This is the most common type of battery
for RV and automotive use. These batteries give of gasses when charged
and often need water added to the electrolyte. |
| Gel Cell: |
Similar to flooded cell except the electrolyte is in gel form.
The advantages of this type is that it is non-spillable and non-gassing. |
| A G M: |
Absorbed Glass Mat construction utilizes a fiberglass mat as separators
that absorb the electrolyte and makes the battery non-spillable
and non-gassing. AGM batteries have high resistance to vibration
and sulfating and can accept a recharge at a higher rate than other
types. |
| Keep Terminals Clean! |
Clean tight connections are critical to good battery performance.
Periodically check
battery terminals for corrosion and clean as necessary. Use
of an anti-corrosion
agent is usually helpful. |
| Maintain Fluid Level: |
Regularly check fluid in your batteries, especially deep cycle
type batteries. Never allow fluid level to get below the top of
battery plates as damage will result. Always use pure or distilled
water in batteries. Electrolyte (acid) should only be added when
the battery is manufactured. Always replenish fluid levels with
pure water. Many starting type batteries are “maintenance
free” types and require little or no water to be added during
service. |
| Protect Your Battery: |
Protect you batteries from freezing, extreme heat or vibration.
A discharged
battery can be ruined if allowed to freeze. Heat and vibration
are also harmful
to batteries. |
| Use Correct Types: |
Always select a battery that is appropriate for the type of use
you have. A deep cycle battery will not start an engine well and
a staring battery will do poorly in RV house use. Select battery
capacity that is matched to your use. |
| Use Caution! |
Battery gasses are explosive! Wet type batteries give of hydrogen
gas when charged
and should always be used in a well ventilated area free of
sparks or open flame.
Battery acid is hazardous, always wear eye protection and protective
clothing when
handling acid. |
| Keep Charged: |
Batteries will last longer and give better service if kept fully
charged. Keep batteries charged as much as is practical. Battery
state of charge can be measured either by open circuit voltage or
specific gravity or preferably both. See chart below for values.
|
| open circuit volts |
approx state of charge |
average specific gravity |
| over 12.7 |
very high |
1.280 |
| 12.5 |
75% |
1.240 |
| 12.3 |
50% |
1.200 |
| 12.1 |
25% |
1.170 |
| 11.9 or less |
very low |
1.140 or less |
Please note that open circuit voltage should be measured
after the plates have been stabilized. This can be done by putting a
moderate load on the battery for 3 minutes or by waiting for 24 hours
after the battery has been on a charger.
|
