New Charger Necessary When Switching From Flooded Batteries

When choosing battery technologies, there are many variables to consider, and what works for one application or facility may not work for another. Battery experts agree that much of a battery’s success depends on how it’s maintained and operated.
 
When switching from a flooded battery to a sealed battery, manufacturers caution customers against using the wrong charger.

“Batteries all have different charging requirements,” says Delzeit. “People think they can just replace flooded batteries with AGM or gel batteries because they don’t want to maintain flooded batteries anymore, but you do need to look at the charger to make sure it’s compatible with a new AGM or gel battery.”

Most chargers have programmable algorithms. For those that don’t, the user may need to purchase a new charger.

“If you overcharge a sealed battery using a flooded battery algorithm it will lose water and eventually dry out,” says Wehmeyer. “And because most AGM batteries don’t have access to add water, it would give you a short life if you use the wrong type of charger.”

A traditional AGM battery will last approximately 500 cycles, depending on a variety of factors, including application, operating temperature and charging method. A flooded battery will last approximately 700 cycles, if it is well-maintained.

“Flooded batteries are generally less expensive, give you longer cycle life, and they are going to provide more capacity for the same size package, provided it is properly maintained,” says Delzeit. “If you’re not going to maintain a flooded battery, all bets are off.” 

Kassandra Kania is a freelance writer based in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is a frequent contributor to Sanitary Maintenance.