These batteries have many advantages over the flooded lead batteries but they have some disadvantages as well. Here are some of the pros and cons of sealed batteries:
Advantages of Sealed Batteries
Sealed batteries haven't been around nearly as long as the flooded lead acid battery; however they have proven themselves to have many advantages over the flooded lead acid battery in some areas. Let's take a look at some of these advantages and how they have proved helpful.
- Sealed batteries contain enough electrolyte to last the lifetime of the battery. This means that they never need watering and are considered to be no maintenance batteries. Because sealed batteries never need to be watered they can be used in situations where watering a battery could pose a problem making them an ideal battery of choice for solar electric uses and for backup generators.
- Since the hydrogen in these batteries is absorbed in them, there is no poisonous gas emitted by these batteries. Not only does this mean that these batteries can be recharged almost anywhere without special ventilation but, they also are more environmentally sound.
- They do not spill their electrolytes even when turned over which means they can be installed at any angle without worry. They also will not corrode like flooded lead acid batteries so there is less chance of getting acid burns when handling these batteries.
- They have a low discharge rate
Disadvantages of Sealed Batteries
While these advantages make sealed lead acid batteries an excellent choice for use in a number of situations they do have some disadvantages as well:
- Although the price of sealed batteries is somewhat lower than it once was, they are still more expensive than flooded lead acid batteries.
- Overall, sealed batteries have a shorter life than do flooded lead acid batteries. This means that these batteries need replacing more often at a higher cost.
- Sealed deep cycle batteries can only be discharged to 50% for optimum performance where as flooded lead acid batteries can be discharged to 80%.
When choosing between a sealed and a flooded lead acid battery you need to consider where and how you will be using the battery. What kind of ventilation is available for charging and the availability of water for flooded batteries to be maintained? In some instances, flooded batteries may well be a better choice due to their cost and longer life. However, there are many situations where sealed batteries may not only be a better choice but may be the only possible choice.
Powercell supplies a range of sealed batteries for a variety of uses.