Gel Cell Battery Maintenance

Agm or gel battery.

Gel cell battery maintenance.

The specific gravity of pure sulfuric acid is about 1 84 and this pure acid is diluted by distilled water until the specific gravity of the solution becomes 1 2 to 1 23. Even though wet cell batteries are sealed in a plastic encasement there is still the chance that it will leak. Keep your batteries charged up through the off season to ensure peak performance during the ice fishing. Charging a gel battery with a lead acid charger is risky since gel batteries require constant voltage charging versus taper charging provided with lead acid chargers.

Electrolyte of lead acid battery cell is a solution of sulfuric acid and distilled water. Program your voltage set points so that the battery bank charges at the proper voltage. Typical float voltage range 13 1 to 13 3 volts. For this type of battery the typical absorption voltage range 14 0 to 14 2 volts.

Battery type charger technology equipment loads cable size climate and other factors can all vary. Refill flooded lead acid batteries with distilled water every 2 4 weeks as needed. While reviewing our battery maintenance tips please keep in mind that all battery systems are unique. Battery chargers with gel profile will have information either on the unit or in the manual about gel compatibility.

Generally gel cell batteries last longer than sealed lead acid batteries as they resist sulfation. The gel batteries are virtually maintenance free as they uses one way open valves that allow the internal gasses to recombine into water hence removing any need to check to top up distilled water or monitor water level. Electrolyte of lead acid battery. Because the batteries are comprised of gel instead of liquid there is little to no maintenance to keep the battery working properly.

Determine your battery voltage and how many batteries to use. Apply an equalization charge to flooded batteries every 90 days. The battery has a bad cell. If the incorrect battery charger is used on a gel cell battery poor performance and premature failure is certain.

Step 2 turn on the charger and charge the battery at a constant voltage of 2 25 to 2 30 volts per cell 13 5 to 13 8 volts on a 12 volt battery at 58 degrees fahrenheit 20 degrees celsius. 12 volt gel cell batteries need to be maintained when they are not in use during the summer. Gel cell batteries can be left in the float charge mode for extended periods of time without damage. Gel batteries are best used in very deep cycle application and may last a bit longer in hot weather applications.

Place the battery on the gel cell battery charger per the manufacturer s instructions for use. This mode is often used to maintain gel cell batteries used in backup power applications.