What Is A Deep Cycle Battery?

Have you found yourself wondering what a deep cycle battery is? Maybe you have been told that you need a deep cycle battery, but aren’t sure what that means? Whatever your reason might be, we have the answer for you!

The world of deep cycle batteries can be a tricky one to navigate, especially if you are new to the world of batteries. You can spend hours searching, but never quite get the answers that you need, leaving you in the dark, and without a battery.

Well, no more! This article will discuss deep cycle batteries and how they are different from other types of batteries. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about deep cycle batteries.

What Is A Deep Cycle Battery?

Deep cycle batteries are also known as flooded lead-acid batteries, gel cell batteries, AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries, wet cells, and zinc-manganese dioxide batteries. These batteries have been around since the early 1900s. In fact, they were even used by Thomas Edison himself.

The first modern-day deep cycle batteries were invented in the 1950s. They were developed by General Electric and Westinghouse. GE called them Gel Cell Batteries and Westinghouse called them Wet Cells. Over time, many companies began making deep cycle batteries.

Today there are many different manufacturers producing deep cycle batteries.

Why Do We Use Deep Cycle Batteries?

When using deep cycle batteries it is important to understand why we use them. There are two main reasons why we use deep cycle batteries:

1. Backup Power

When we talk about backup power we mean that our home will continue to operate without being connected to the mains electricity supply. For example, if your house loses power due to a storm, fire or flood then you would still want to be able to cook food and keep warm.

2. Power Quality

Power quality refers to the amount of noise and interference that comes into the electrical system. When we say power quality we mean that the equipment inside the house is working correctly. If the equipment is faulty then the power quality will be poor.

Power quality problems could include flickering lights, buzzing noises, and strange sounds coming from appliances.

So what do we use deep cycle batteries for? Let’s take a look at some of their uses below!

Applications Of Deep Cycle Batteries

The following table lists some common applications for deep cycle batteries. In these cases, the battery is used to power the following appliances or devices.

• Backup power
• Boat engines
• Emergency lighting
• Solar panels
• Household appliances
• Lawnmowers
• Electric cars

What’s The Difference Between A Deep Cycle Battery And A Regular Battery?

A deep cycle battery differs from a normal battery in a number of ways. Deep cycle batteries have thicker plates which means they can hold more energy. Deep cycle batteries also have larger cells meaning that they store more energy. Finally, deep cycle batteries have a much bigger case which makes them easier to transport.

Deep cycle batteries are used in situations where the load is constant. For example, deep cycle batteries are often used in boats because the boat’s engine draws a consistent amount of current.

In addition, deep cycle batteries are used in emergency lighting systems. These systems draw a steady flow of current throughout the night.

Can I Use A Deep Cycle Battery As A Standard Battery?

No, you cannot use a deep cycle battery like a standard battery. The reason for this is that deep cycle batteries are designed specifically for applications such as backup power. They are not suitable for powering devices such as laptops and mobile phones.

How Do I Know My Deep Cycle Battery Needs To Be Replaced?

The best way to tell if your battery needs replacing is to check the voltage on the terminals. If the voltage is too high then the battery has lost capacity. A good rule of thumb is that the terminal voltage should be between 12 volts and 14 volts when fully charged.

If the voltage is lower than this then the battery is likely not charging properly. You can test the voltage with an ohmmeter.

If the voltage is higher than this then the battery may need replacing.

How Long Does A Deep Cycle Battery Last?

A deep cycle battery lasts approximately 10 years before needing replacement. You should always check with the manufacturer to make sure that you are using the correct type of battery for your application.

How Do I Maintain My Deep Cycle Battery?

There are several ways that you can maintain your deep cycle battery. One of the easiest ways is to charge the battery every month. By doing so you ensure that the battery stays healthy.

Another way to maintain your battery is to change out the electrolyte once a year. This helps prevent corrosion and keeps the battery performing at its peak for longer.

Finally, you can replace the battery after five years. It is recommended that you replace all batteries within ten years. You can find deep-cycle batteries at most hardware stores. If you’re looking for more information then you can find lots of websites online where you can learn about deep cycle batteries.

How Long Does It Take To Charge A Deep Cycle Battery?

It depends on how many amps you need. A typical 12V deep cycle battery takes around 8 hours to fully charge. However, there are faster charging options available.

How Big Are Deep Cycle Batteries?

Deep cycle batteries come in different sizes. The size of the battery will depend on what you want to do with it. Smaller batteries are better suited for smaller loads whereas larger batteries are better suited for large loads.

Is There Anything Else I Need To Know About Deep Cycle Batteries?

Yes! It is important to remember that deep cycle batteries are not cheap. They are very expensive compared to other types of batteries. This is why you should only buy a good quality battery when buying a deep cycle battery.

Conclusion

Deep cycle batteries are a great way to store electricity. They are durable and reliable so they are perfect for applications such as emergency lighting or household appliances.

However, they are not suitable for powering laptop computers or mobile phone chargers. Instead, you should consider investing in a regular lead-acid battery.