1. What is the lowest and highest operating temperature range of sealed lead acid batteries?
The optimal discharging temperature of SP, SPG, HR and SPX Series batteries is from -20°C (-4°F) to 50°C (122°F).
The optimal charging temperature of SP, SPG, HR and SPX Series batteries is from -20°C (-4°F) to 50°C (122°F).
The optimal storage temperature of SP, SPG, HR and SPX Series batteries is from -20°C (-4°F) to 40°C (104°F).
2. How are sealed lead acid batteries rated?
All of our battery series are rated at their 20HR Rate of 1.75V/Cell at 25°C (77°F).
3. For how long sealed lead acid batteries can be stored? How long can sealed lead acid batteries be stored for?
SP, SPG, HR and SPX Series batteries can be stored for up to 6 months at 25°C (77°F) and then a freshening charge is recommended. For higher temperatures the time interval will be shorter. For lower temperatures the time interval may be longer. 12 Volt batteries should never be allowed to self- discharge below 12.4 volts, 6 volt batteries should never be allowed to self-discharge below 6.2 volts. A refreshing charge is recommended before the battery in storage self-discharges past these levels.
4. What is the difference between “cycle use” and “standby use”?
Cycle Use means direct power source. What cycle use can provide is the power supply to power tools, portable electronic products.
Cycle Use means the battery is being discharged and recharged regularly. An example would be applications such as electric scooters, material handling or solar lighting.
Standby Use means back up power. It is commonly used for emergency power to avoid future damage that may be caused by a sudden power outage.
Standby Use refers to batteries being used for backup power for applications such as Alarm, Emergency Lighting or Uninterruptible Power Systems (UPS). These batteries are being float-charged in a stand-by mode and provide power only when the primary mains power source fails.
5. How can you define “over-discharge” and its effect on a battery?
A battery is over-discharged in case when the final voltage is lower than standard final voltage. Some of the consequences of over-discharging a battery are overuse of active material, degradation of the plate. If you recharge the battery after its over-charging there will be short failures.
A battery is over discharged in most circumstances when the battery falls below 1.75 volts per cell (VPC) under load, 10.50 volts for a 12 volt battery or 5.25 volts for a 6 volt battery. Some exceptions are permitted for short duration, high rate loads less than 1 hour. Battery life expectancy will be reduced and if the battery is over-discharged consistently ad will result in prematurely failure. In all cases, a battery should be recharged immediately after the discharge to prolong life.
6. How can I determine if a battery starts to fail?
What indicates your battery’s fail is a lower performance, low voltage, no recharging, swelled container and acid corrosion.
All batteries fail eventually. A battery will typically provide less capacity as it begins to age, this is normal. Depending on the application where it is being used and what power is required for that application in may still have a useful a life. End of life is considered to be reached when a battery fails to deliver 80% of its rated capacity.
7. What is the life expectancy of sealed lead acid batteries?
SP, SPG and HR Series batteries have an expected life up to 5 years in standby use. SPX Series batteries have an expected life up to 10 years in standby use. All SigmasTek Series batteries have a self-discharge rate of less than 3% of capacity per month.
8. What is the container material of sealed lead acid batteries?
The material that is used for the cases and lids of SP, SPG, HR and SPX Series batteries is ABS plastic (Option: 94-HB & 94-V0 flame retardant case).
9. Are SigmasTek batteries UL listed?
SP, SPG, HR and SPX Series batteries are UL listed and are guaranteed to meet or exceed OEM specifications and performance.
10. In what kind of applications SigmasTek batteries are commonly used?
SP, SPG, HR and SPX Series batteries can be used in applications such as:
- Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
- Electric wheelchairs, scooters, bikes
- Electronic apparatus and equipment
- Alarm and security systems
- Emergency first responder equipment
- Emergency lighting
- Medical devices
- Electric carts
- Telecom equipment Switchgear
- Solar power systems