Glossary
What is a GEL battery
A gel battery is a lead-acid electric storage battery
that:
— is sealed using special pressure valves and
should never be opened.
— is completely maintenance-free.
— uses thixotropic gelled electrolyte.
— uses a recombination reaction to prevent the es-
cape of hydrogen and oxygen gases normally
lost in a flooded lead-acid battery (particularly in
deep cycle applications).
— is non-spillable, and therefore can be operated
in virtually any position. However, upside-down
installation is not recommended.
Connections must be retorqued and the batteries be
cleaned periodically.
What is an AGM battery?
An AGM battery is a lead-acid electric storage
battery that:
— is sealed using special pressure valves and
should never be opened.
— is completely maintenance-free.
— has all of its electrolyte absorbed in separators
consisting of a sponge-like mass of matted glass
fibers.
— uses a recombination reaction to prevent the es-
cape of hydrogen and oxygen gases normally
lost in a flooded lead-acid battery (particularly in
deep cycle applications).
— is non-spillable, and therefore can be operated
in virtually any position. However, upside-down
installation is not recommended.
Connections must be retorqued and the batteries be
cleaned periodically.
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What is a VRLA battery?
A valve Regulated Lead Acid Battery. This type of
battery is sealed maintenance-free with a "Bunce"
valve or valves in the top of them which opens when
a preset pressure is realized inside the battery and
allows the gas pressure to be relieved. Then the
valve resets itself.
What is a SLI battery?
These initials stand for Starting, Lighting and Ignition,
which are the three basic functions which a battery
has to perform on all normal vehicles. Batteries
given this description will have been specifically
designed for service on cars and trucks within a
voltage controlled electrical system. Those SLI batter-
ies which are intended for heavy haulage vehicles
fitted with large diesel motors are often be called
commercial batteries. They have to be much more
powerful and more robust than batteries intended
for cars.
What is state of health?
It stands for how much battery capacity is left
(%) comparing with the marked original battery
capacity.
What is state of charge?
It shows to what an extend the battery capacity is
actually charged (in %).
What does CCA mean?
The current in amperes which a new and fully
charged battery can deliver for 30 seconds continu-
ously without the terminal voltage falling below 1.2
volts per cell, after it has been cooled to ‒17.8°
C and held at that temperature. This rating reflects
the ability of the battery to deliver engine starting
currents under winter conditions.
What does ampere hour mean?
This is the measuring unit for electrical capacity.
A current of one ampere for one hour implies the
delivery or receipt of one ampere‒hour of elec-
tricity. Current multiplied by time in hours equals
ampere‒hours.