Common Causes of Lead Acid
Storage Battery Failure
Undercharging:
Continuous operation
of a battery in a partial state of charge (sulphation). Most people do
not understand that the nominal battery voltage and the fact that batteries
recently charged over represent their state of charge e.g. is not the full charged
voltage, see table below.
Not allowing the
batteries to reach a full state of charge after use (sulphation)
Storing a battery in a
partial state of charge (causes hardened sulphation)
Continuous low
charging voltage may cause stratification of the electrolyte causing the
formation of lead sulfate (sulphation)
Overcharging:
Continuous-charging by
a poorly designed battery charger causing:
corrosion of the positive
plates
excessive water
consumption
overheating
Boat and RV converters are
the worst culprits when it comes to overcharging batteries.
Under-watering:
Water is lost during
the charging process which may cause irreparable damage if the electrolyte
level is allowed to drop below the top of the plates. The portion of the lead
plates uncovered by electrolyte will form corrosion that insulates the battery
plates from the electrolyte when the battery is filled once more.
Over-watering:
Excessive watering of a
battery results in additional dilution of the electrolyte resulting in reduced
battery capacity.
OFF-GRID, THERE IS NO
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BATTERY VOLTAGE AND STATE OF CHARGE.
Unless the battery has been left without charging or discharge for four
to five hours. Specific Gravity as measured by a hydrometer is the only
exact way to measure current state of charge.
Nominal Voltage
Fully Charged Volts & SG
Depleted Volts & SG
12 V
13.8 V 1.255 – 1.275 SG
12 V 1.130-1.110
241V
27.6 V 1.255 – 1.275 SG
24 V 1.130-1.110
48 V
55.2 V 1.255 – 1.275 SG
48 V 1.130-1.110
Don't take your battery to the
depleted voltage Volts or Specific Gravity!
WARNING: Never add acid to a battery.
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Sound,Northern
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