Leisure Batteries
Lead acid batteries are either deep cycle batteries or starting batteries. Starting batteries provides a short burst of energy, enduring repeated intense shallow cycles. They are used in car starter motor or running a discharge pump. The low cost affordability of Lead acid starting batteries and its ability to supply high surge currents make them attractive for use in motor vehicles to provide the high current required by automobile starter motors.
Leisure batteries or Marine/Motorhome batteries are deep cycle batteries that are rechargeable lead acid batteries for automotive, marine and recreational vehicles (RV). They are specially designed to go through many long, slow and steady charge / discharge cycles throughout their life span. Leisure batteries are used in applications such as boating, alternative power supplies, low amp appliances like lighting, photovoltaic systems, electric vehicles like electric cars and forklift. These batteries have thicker plates that can deliver less peak current, but can withstand frequent discharging. Leisure batteries use the internal lead plates and the reaction of sulfuric acid to generate electricity. It discharges electricity when used and can be recharged back to the voltage of the battery, typically 6V or 12V. Leisure batteries can be run for a long time and drained its voltage by 40% or more of their capacity without being damaged.
Leisure Batteries
Leisure batteries can be either flooded lead acid (FLA) or sealed lead acid batteries (SLA). FLA leisure batteries contain free liquid sulfuric acid solution and can spill acid if tipped or shaken. They tend to corrode around the electrodes and have vent caps to allow gas discharge. Regular inspection and maintenance is required for these batteries and they have to be stored away and transported safely. Maintaining FLA involves cleaning corroded electrode leads, checking electrolyte levels and adding distilled water to top up when required. On the other hand, SLA leisure batteries have the advantages of being leak-proof or expel external gases, reduced corrosion, spill-proof, suitable for hard-to-reach locations, provide repeated deep discharge for extended usage, maintenance free, and mountable in various configurations, all of which benefits make them particularly suitable for marine and RV use. SLA leisure batteries come in a variety of sizes and capacities, but are of two basic types: Gel Cell and Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM).
Leisure batteries need to be properly maintained to maximise their life span. The factors include things such as vibration, cycling use, proper charging and discharging, battery maintenance, depth of discharge and battery temperature. The battery service life is inversely proportional to the DOD per cycle. That means if a battery is discharged repeatedly to 100% DOD, its cycle life will be less than half that of a battery discharged to only 50% DOD. In order to optimize performance of deep cycle leisure batteries, consistent discharge level must not fall below 50%. Knowing the depth of discharge and following proper cycling and recharge procedures will help extend the life of a deep-cycle leisure battery.
Leisure Batteries
The charging process of deep cycle leisure batteries produce toxic and explosive hydrogen gas. Special precautions must be taken to ensure they are charged in a well ventilated area. Special precautions should be taken to ensure that these batteries are charged in a well ventilated area. For best protection, wear goggles and acid resistant gloves during charging and clean both hands afterwards. The maintenance of deep cycle leisure batteries require recharging after each use and periodically inspection of the flooded lead acid type to ensure that the electrolyte level does not get too low. If it's below the the fill mark when checked, simply top them off with distilled water. It is vital to use distilled water as non distilled water contains minerals that will damage the battery.
Leisure batteries are excellent alternative for families living off the grid where electricity from local power company is not readily available.
