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Sealed batteries are known as maintenance free batteries. They are made with vents that usually cannot be removed. A standard auto or marine maintenance free battery is sealed, but not fully leak proof. Sealed batteries are not totally sealed since all batteries must allow gas to vent during charging. There are sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries that are non-spillable.

Batteries are divided in two ways, by application (what they are used for) and construction (how they are built). The major applications are automotive, marine, and deep-cycle. Deep-cycle includes solar electric (PV), backup power, and RV and boat “house” batteries.

The major construction types are flooded (wet), gelled, and AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat). AGM batteries are also sometimes called “starved electrolyte” or “dry” because the fiberglass mat is only 95% saturated with sulfuric acid and there is no excess liquid. Flooded may be standard, with removable caps, or the so-called “maintenance free” (that means they are designed to die one week after the warranty runs out). All gelled are sealed and a few are “valve regulated” which means that a tiny valve keeps a slight positive pressure. Nearly all AGM batteries are sealed valve regulated (commonly referred to as “VRLA” – Valve Regulated Lead-Acid). Most valve regulated are under some pressure – 1 to 4 psi at sea level.

Both NiCad and NiMH batteries are rechargeable. The main difference between the two is that NiMH batteries offer higher energy densities than NiCads. NiMH delivers approximately 30% more capacity than NiCad. NiCad batteries tend to suffer from what is called a “memory effect.” When a NiCad battery is only partially discharged before charging, the battery “forgets” that it has the capacity to further discharge all the way down.

To illustrate: If you, on a regular basis, fully charge your battery and then use only 40% of its capacity before the next recharge, eventually the battery will become unaware of its extra 60% capacity which had remained unused. Your battery will remain functional, but only at 40% of its original capacity.

The way to avoid the dreaded “memory effect” is to fully cycle your NiCad battery at least once per month. In other words, fully discharge your battery and then fully charge it.

Batteries can be discharged by allowing the device to run on the battery until it ceases to function. This will ensure your battery remains healthy. NiMH batteries are “memory free” so they do not suffer from this affliction. Thus, if you have a NiMH battery, the only time it is necessary to cycle it is during its initial use and after a long storage period. This is done to “exercise” the battery and bring it up to full capacity.

For a full refund, return the product within 30 days.

We process orders within 24 business hours and usually ship through UPS. The UPS shipping option allows you to choose standard or express delivery. Shipping fee is based on UPS rates.

We carry all kinds of batteries, including Duracell, YUASA, Enersys, wheelchair/scooter batteries. Even if you don’t find it on our website, call us at 757-545-4442 and we can help locate it for you.