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Lead-Acid Battery Basics - The Functions of Lead-Acid Batteries

Lead-Acid Battery Basics - The Functions of Lead-Acid Batteries

Starting Batteries & Deep Cycle Batteries

One of the most common questions we hear is about the difference between starting batteries and deep cycle batteries. Maybe in another post, we'll dive into the significant technical differences between these two most basic types of lead batteries. But for now, let's just just cover the basics.

When people think about lead batteries, also known as lead-acid batteries, they usually think about a car battery. These are starting batteries. They deliver a short burst of high power to start the engine. Starting batteries depend on the vehicle's charging system to immediately replenish the relatively small amount of energy used to start the car. Starting batteries are not designed to be completely discharged before being fully re-charged. If they are repeatedly discharged and re-charged, they will die an early death.

There are also deep cycle batteries. These are found on boats or campers, where they're used to power accessories like trolling motors, winches or lights. This is also the type of battery used to power your electric golf cart. They deliver a lower, steady level of power for a much longer time than a starting battery, and are typically deeply discharged before being connected to a charger for a re-charge - think of your trolling motor battery after a day on the lake. Deep cycle batteries can be discharged and re-charged many more times than a starting battery before they reach the end of their life.

Lead batteries are used for a vast number of purposes, but all batteries provide either starting or deep cycle power. The only difference is how much power is delivered and how long it needs to be delivered.

Automotive Battery

A car battery is a starting battery - it supplies power to the starter and ignition system to start the engine. They also supply the extra power necessary when the vehicle's electrical load exceeds the supply from the charging system. A car battery acts as a voltage stabilizer in the electrical system. The battery evens out voltage spikes and prevents them from damaging other components in the electrical system.

Standby Battery

Standby batteries are a type of deep cycle battery that are designed to supply electrical power to critical systems in the event of a power outage. Hospitals, telecommunications systems, emergency lighting systems and many more rely on lead standby batteries to keep us safe without skipping a beat when the lights go out. Standby batteries are also voltage stabilizers that smooth out fluctuations in electrical generation systems. These batteries temporarily hold large electrical loads as electric utilities switch from one generator system to another and can be extremely useful in times of need.

Motive Battery

A motive battery is a very heavy duty type of deep cycle battery that powers the motor that drives an electric vehicle, such as a forklift truck; they also provide power for a specific purpose on an electric vehicle, such as running the hydraulic pump that powers the lift on a forklift or platform lift. Additionally, motive batteries power accessories like headlights on an electric vehicle.

The take-away here is that it really does matter that the proper battery be used for your vehicle, boat or other equipment. If you're not sure what you need, check with the battery specialists at PLP Battery Supply. We'll keep you on the right track and give you all the options.

Sources:
Battery Council International