How to check 12V Lead-Acid Battery Capacity

12v Lead-acid battery is a reliable, proven source of power for many applications. With its impressive capacity and long lifespan, it&#;s no wonder why the 12V lead acid battery has become so popular among tech professionals. You need something powerful but also dependable &#; and with our range of high-quality batteries, you&#;re guaranteed both!

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What Are 12v Lead-Acid Battery?

Lead acid batteries are common and cheap. They can power a lot of different electronics. But it is important to understand how long the battery will last before you buy one.

The battery&#;s capacity gets measured in Amp-hours (Ah) or Milliamp-hours (mAh), which determines the amount of power it can store at a given time.

In general, the higher the Ah/mAh rating of a lead acid battery, the higher its capacity. For most 12V applications, lead acid batteries with a capacity of over 20Ah/mAh must be in place for adequate performance.

With knowledge about lead acid battery capacity, users can make an educated decision on which battery best suits their needs.

What Is the Amp Hour Rating?

12V Lead Acid Batteries are commonly used in a variety of applications. This ranges from automotive batteries to home energy storage solutions.

However, when selecting the right battery for any particular purpose, one of the most important considerations is the capacity rating.

This is also known as the amp-hour (AH) or milliampere-hour (mAh) rating and provides an idea of how much power this battery can deliver over a period of one hour without dropping below its minimum voltage level.

For example, a higher AH or mAh rating means that more energy can be drawn from the battery in a given period before it needs to be recharged.

Consumers should make sure they choose a battery with a high enough capacity to suit their needs.

The Environment Makes a Difference

When you decide what size and type of battery to buy, you also need to think about the local environment. This will help you figure out how much charge the battery can hold.

Even if the battery is not exposed directly to extreme temperatures on a regular basis, finding one rated for higher or lower temperature tolerance will help it sustain its performance over time in whatever conditions it encounters.

They Contain Hazardous Materials

Before you choose a 12V lead acid battery, it is important to think about the dangerous things that could happen. Lead acid batteries have harmful materials like sulfuric acid.

So you must exercise extra caution must in their use and disposal. There is an option for those looking to invest in a greener form of energy; rechargeable battery systems.

Even though these batteries might not last as long as other types of batteries, you won&#;t have to replace them as often if you charge them more often.

This switch is cheaper to use, and it also helps the environment.

Regular Maintenance Is Essential

12V lead acid batteries are reliable power sources but require careful management to perform at their best. Charging and discharging should be closely monitored.

The batteries should never run out of power completely as this can make them not work as well.

Keep the batteries clean, and don&#;t forget to replace the electrolyte yearly. With these steps, you will ensure maximum capacity out of your 12V lead acid battery for years to come.

Let&#;s dig deeper into the questions you should ask:

What Is the Capacity of the 12v lead-acid Battery?

A 12V Lead Acid battery has many uses, both in small and large applications. With this type of battery, it is critical to understand its capacity &#; which is measured in Amp-hours (Ah) or Milliamp-hours (mAh).

This is the amount of energy output from the battery before requiring a recharge.

This means that when you look at a 12V Lead Acid Battery, the higher the AH rating, the more power it will have. This will last for a longer time before it needs recharging.

Knowing and understanding your battery&#;s capacity is key to ensuring you get quality performance out of your purchase.

VOLTAGE AND BATTERY DISCHARGE

Why are we always talking about 12-volt or 24-volt batteries, but do they never deliver exactly 12 volts or 24 volts? This is because each battery always delivers a slightly higher voltage when the battery is fully charged and a lower voltage when the battery is empty. So when we talk about a 12-volt, 24-volt or 36-volt battery, we are talking about the voltage of the devices the battery can supply power to. A 12-volt lead-acid battery that is fully charged often provides a voltage of about 12.7V. If the lead-acid battery only has 20% left, it will only deliver 11.6V. A fully charged lithium battery delivers 13.6V but delivers 12.9V at 20%. Since most trolling engines and other equipment have been designed for use with lead-acid batteries, brava developed the AV line (AV stands for Adjusted Voltage). The batteries in the AV line have a lower voltage than regular lithium batteries. This means you don&#;t have to worry about your engine burning out. The table below shows voltage of a lead-acid battery, regular lithium battery and a AV line lithium battery Depending on the chosen battery technology, the actual discharge curve of each battery may vary.

CAPACITY IN % LEAD-BATTERY LITHIUM BATTERY LITHIUM AV-BATTERY 100% 12.70 V. 13.60 V. 12.60 V. 90% 12.50 V. 13.32 V. 12.10 V. 80% 12.42 V. 13.28 V. 11.60 V. 70% 12.32 V. 13.20 V. 11.35 V. 60% 12.20 V. 13.16 V. 11.10 V. 50% 12.06 V. 13.13 V. 10.80 V. 40% 11.90 V. 13.10 V. 10.70 V. 30% 11.75 V. 13.00 V. 10.60 V. 20% 11.58 V. 12.90 V. 10.45 V. 10% 11.31 V. 12.00 V. 10.25 V. 0% 10.50 V. 10.00 V. 9.00 V.

When you use a 12V battery with a DC stabilizer, the output is always stable at 12V. The DC stabilizer is designed for devices that do not accept an input voltage that is too high or too low. Suppose you have a device (for example a depth sounder) with an operating voltage of 10.5V-12.9V then you need to use the DC stabilizer with a lithium battery. With a &#;normal&#; lithium battery because the maximum voltage of 13.6V is above the maximum voltage of 12.9V of the depth sounder. With a battery from the AV line you need the DC stabilizer because the minimum input voltage of 10V is above the minimum voltage of 9V of the AV battery. In this case the device would switch off while there is still 25% of capacity in the battery remaining.

How Will the Battery Perform in Its Environment?

When choosing a 12V lead acid battery, you should think about the size, how much it can hold, and how well it will work in the place where you will use it. Lead acid batteries do not work well in extreme temperatures.

The effects of these conditions can make the batteries not hold a charge as well.

Temperature changes can make a lead acid battery not work as well. So it is important to get one created for the climate where you will use it.

Plus, other things like how old the battery is, how much use has it had, and where it is stored can affect how well it works and how long it lasts.

What Is the Best Way to Maintain My Battery?

One of the most important factors to consider when buying and using a 12V lead acid battery is its capacity. In general, these batteries have a much longer lifespan than other types.

But must still be regularly maintained in order to truly benefit from their longevity.

While charge levels should be monitored on a regular basis, and plates should also be cleaned with a cleaning agent suggested specifically for lead acid batteries.

One of the most important things a user can do to maintain their battery is to change the electrolyte annually on average.

Doing so will help ensure that your battery lasts as long as possible and continues to provide reliable power for years to come.

EFFECTIVE BATTERY CAPACITY

The effective battery capacity can sometimes differ from the nominal battery capacity. This means that in in practice a 100Ah battery can deliver fewer Amps than the 100 Amps that are specified. This is mainly the case with lead-acid batteries. In the case of lithium batteries (such as those from brava ), the effective battery capacity is very close to  the nominal battery capacity. Why is this different for lead batteries? There are two reasons:

1. A lead battery should never be fully discharged.
2. Battery capacity is &#;lost&#; when a lead battery is discharged faster.

1. A LEAD BATTERY SHOULD NEVER BE FULLY DISCHARGED

Lead-acid batteries can only be discharged up to 50% before irreversible damage occurs. In practice this means that you will only be able to use half of your battery capacity. Semi-traction batteries such as AGM en Gel lead-batteries are often used as Marine batteries for water sports and angling. These batteries can often be discharged up to 70%. This means that in practice 30% cannot be used. Lithium batteries can be fully discharged which means you have the full capacity available to use. In addition, unlike lead-acid batteries, brava lithium batteries are protected against deep discharge damage thanks to the Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS willl  &#;automatically&#; switch off the battery when it drops below 3%.

2. BATTERY CAPACITY IS &#;LOST&#; WHEN A LEAD BATTERY IS DISCHARGED FASTER.

In the case of a lead-acid battery, the capacity is always indicated in, for example, C1, C5 or C20 (or a C with a different number). The C stands for capacity and the number stands for the number of hours in which the capacity can be delivered (C-Rate). For example, if a battery says C20=100Ah, this battery can deliver a total of 100Ah if it is discharged in 20 hours. So a device that draws 5 Amps can run for 20 hours on this battery. However, if the battery is discharged faster, the total capacity drops radically. The same battery can have a C-rate of C5=70Ah. If you disconnect the battery in 5 hours it will only deliver 70Ah in total. This is because the internal resistance of a battery increases when it is discharged faster and capacity is lost by heat. By default, lead batteries are often measured over 20 hours discharged (so C20).

The faster a lead-acid battery is discharged, the less capacity it has. While with lithium batteries this is not the case. For a brava 12V50, for example, C1=C5=C20=50Ah applies. The effective battery capacity therefore depends on how deep you can discharge a battery, and how much energy is lost due to the speed of discharge of your battery.

Example 1: You use a 12V105 Ah semi-traction AGM Marine battery to power a Minn Kota Endura Max 55LBS trolling motor. For this battery the following C-Rates apply: C20=105, C5=85, C3=70. The maximum discharge % of this battery is 75%. If you use this battery with a trolling engine the applicable C-Rate is C3=70Ah. Your effective battery capacity is therefore 52.5Ah. So in practice the runtime of a 105Ah semi-traction battery is about the same as a brava 12V50Ah lithium battery.

Are There Any Eco-Friendly Alternatives?

Lead acid batteries are a popular source of energy, but they come with the risk of pollution due to their high maintenance requirements. 12V lead acid battery capacity differs depending on the model and what it is being used for.

However, if you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint, then considering alternative solutions is important.

Rechargeable battery systems such as Lithium-ion batteries have a lower capacity than standard lead acid batteries but can be used multiple times and will require fewer replacements over time.

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This ultimately reduces the negative environmental impact caused by environmental waste.

Aside from rechargeable systems, there are also other eco-friendly solutions available on the market today that can provide greener power solutions for domestic or commercial use.

Do I Need a Standard or Rechargeable Battery System?

Lead acid batteries come in two main varieties: standard and rechargeable. Standard lead acid batteries can deliver power over a short time period, but they cannot typically be recharged.

This means you have to replace them when they are depleted. Rechargeable systems, on the other hand, will cost more upfront but are much more economical since they can be repeatedly charged and reused.

These systems also produce less waste, making them better for the environment.

When considering 12V lead acid battery capacity, take into consideration your current needs and budget to decide whether a standard or rechargeable system is right for you.

Does Regular Maintenance Need to Be Performed on 12v Lead-Acid Battery?

Lead acid batteries, often used in vehicles, boats, or solar energy systems, are a popular choice when it comes to obtaining a large storage capacity. With the proper maintenance, they can offer up to 7 times the original capacity.

It is important to remember that lead-acid batteries require regular maintenance in order for them to remain in peak condition for as long as possible.

This includes monitoring charge levels, cleaning battery contents and terminals regularly, and replacing electrolytes at least once a year.

By adhering to best practices for lead-acid battery maintenance and upkeep, you can rest assured that your 12V battery will last longer and work more efficiently over time.

How Often Do They Need to Be Replaced?

12V lead acid batteries provide reliable and sturdy power for many devices and functions. Knowing the capacity of a 12V lead acid battery will help you choose the right one for your needs.

Capacity is typically measured in amp-hours (Ah). As with most batteries, the higher the Ah, the better the capacity output it has.

When keeping track of how long a battery should last, you&#;ll also want to know how often they need to be replaced.

Generally speaking, lead acid batteries should be replaced every 3-5 years depending on the usage, maintenance, and environment they experience.

With regular care and attention, your 12V lead acid battery can even last longer than that.

Ready to Buy a 12V Lead-Acid Battery?

A 12V lead acid battery offers a versatile, reliable power option for many applications. When choosing a 12V lead acid battery, it&#;s important to consider the capacity and discharge rate that you need for your specific purposes.

With our wide selection of batteries, finding the right one for your application is easy. Check out our blog for more information on choosing the right battery for your needs.

When it comes to choosing the right battery for your application, you likely have a list of conditions you need to fulfill. How much voltage is needed, what is the capacity requirement, cyclic or standby, etc.

Once you have the specifics narrowed down you may be wondering, &#;do I need a lithium battery or a traditional sealed lead acid battery?&#; Or, more importantly, &#;what is the difference between lithium and sealed lead acid?&#; There are several factors to consider before choosing a battery chemistry, as both have strengths and weaknesses.

For the purpose of this blog, lithium refers to Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries only, and SLA refers to lead acid/sealed lead acid batteries.

Here we look at the performance differences between lithium and lead acid batteries

CYCLIC PERFORMANCE LITHIUM VS SLA

The most notable difference between lithium iron phosphate and lead acid is the fact that the lithium battery capacity is independent of the discharge rate. The figure below compares the actual capacity as a percentage of the rated capacity of the battery versus the discharge rate as expressed by C (C equals the discharge current divided by the capacity rating). With very high discharge rates, for instance .8C, the capacity of the lead acid battery is only 60% of the rated capacity. Find out more about C rates of batteries.

Capacity of lithium battery vs different types of lead acid batteries at various discharge currents

Therefore, in cyclic applications where the discharge rate is often greater than 0.1C, a lower rated lithium battery will often have a higher actual capacity than the comparable lead acid battery. This means that at the same capacity rating, the lithium will cost more, but you can use a lower capacity lithium for the same application at a lower price. The cost of ownership when you consider the cycle, further increases the value of the lithium battery when compared to a lead acid battery.

The second most notable difference between SLA and Lithium is the cyclic performance of lithium. Lithium has ten times the cycle life of SLA under most conditions. This brings the cost per cycle of lithium lower than SLA, meaning you will have to replace a lithium battery less often than SLA in a cyclic application.

Comparing LiFePO4 vs SLA battery cycle life

CONSTANT POWER DELIVERY LITHIUM VS LEAD ACID

Lithium delivers the same amount of power throughout the entire discharge cycle, whereas an SLA&#;s power delivery starts out strong, but dissipates. The constant power advantage of lithium is shown in the graph below which shows voltage versus the state of charge.

Here we see the constant power advantage of lithium against lead acid

A lithium battery as shown in the orange has a constant voltage as it discharges throughout the entire discharge. Power is a function of voltage times current. The current demand will be constant and thus the power delivered, power times current, will be constant. So, let&#;s put this in a real-life example.

Have you ever turned on a flashlight and noticed it&#;s dimmer than the last time you turned it on? This is because the battery inside the flashlight is dying, but not yet completely dead. It is giving off a little power, but not enough to fully illuminate the bulb.

If this were a lithium battery, the bulb would be just as bright from the beginning of its life to the end. Instead of waning, the bulb would just not turn on at all if the battery were dead.

CHARGING TIMES OF LITHIUM AND SLA

Charging SLA batteries is notoriously slow. In most cyclic applications, you need to have extra SLA batteries available so you can still use your application while the other battery is charging. In standby applications, an SLA battery must be kept on a float charge.

With lithium batteries, charging is four times faster than SLA. The faster charging means there is more time the battery is in use, and therefore requires less batteries. They also recover quickly after an event (like in a backup or standby application). As a bonus, there is no need to keep lithium on a float charge for storage. For more information on how to charge a lithium battery, please view our Lithium Charging Guide.

HIGH TEMPERATURE BATTERY PERFORMANCE

Lithium&#;s performance is far superior than SLA in high temperature applications. In fact, lithium at 55°C still has twice the cycle life as SLA does at room temperature. Lithium will outperform lead under most conditions but is especially strong at elevated temperatures.

Cycle life vs various temperatures for LiFePO4 batteries

COLD TEMPERATURE BATTERY PERFORMANCE

Cold temperatures can cause significant capacity reduction for all battery chemistries. Knowing this, there are two things to consider when evaluating a battery for cold temperature use: charging and discharging. A lithium battery will not accept a charge at a low temperature (below 32° F). However, an SLA can accept low current charges at a low temperature.

Conversely, a lithium battery has a higher discharge capacity at cold temperatures than SLA. This means that lithium batteries do not have to be over designed for cold temperatures, but charging could be a limiting factor. At 0°F, lithium is discharged at 70% of its rated capacity, but SLA is at 45%.

One thing to consider in cold temperature is the state of the lithium battery when you want to charge it. If the battery has just finished discharging, the battery will have generated enough heat to accept a charge. If the battery has had a chance to cool down, it may not accept a charge if the temperature is below 32°F.

BATTERY INSTALLATION

If you have ever tried to install a lead acid battery, you know how important it is to not install it in an invert position to prevent any potential issues with venting. While an SLA is designed to not leak, the vents allow for some residual release of the gasses.

In a lithium battery design, the cells are all individually sealed and cannot leak. This means there is no restriction in the installation orientation of a lithium battery. It can be installed on its side, upside down, or standing up with no issues.

BATTERY WEIGHT COMPARISION

Lithium, on average, is 55% lighter than SLA. In cycling applications, this is especially important when the battery is being installed in a mobile application (batteries for motorcycles, scooters or electric vehicles), or where weight may impact the performance (like in robotics). For standby use, weight is an important consideration in remote applications (solar fields) and where installation is difficult (up high in emergency lighting systems, for example).

A comparision of lithium and lead acid battery weights

SLA VS LITHIUM BATTERY STORAGE

Lithium should not be stored at 100% State of Charge (SOC), whereas SLA needs to be stored at 100%. This is because the self-discharge rate of an SLA battery is 5 times or greater than that of a lithium battery. In fact, many customers will maintain a lead acid battery in storage with a trickle charger to continuously keep the battery at 100% so that the battery life does not decrease due to storage.

SERIES & PARALLEL BATTERY INSTALLATION

A quick and important note: When installing batteries in series and parallel, it is important that they are matched across all factors including capacity, voltage, resistance, state of charge, and chemistry. SLA and lithium batteries cannot be used together in the same string.

Since an SLA battery is considered a &#;dumb&#; battery in comparison to lithium (which has a circuit board that monitors and protects the battery), it can handle many more batteries in a string than lithium.

The string length of lithium is limited by the components on the circuit board. Circuit board components can have current and voltage limitations that long series strings will exceed. For example, a series string of four lithium batteries will have a max voltage of 51.2 volts. A second factor is the protection of the batteries. One battery that exceeds the protection limits can disrupt the charging and discharging of the entire string of batteries. Most lithium strings are limited to 6 or less (model dependent), but higher string lengths can be reached with additional engineering.

There are many differences between SLA and lithium battery performance. In most instances, lithium is the stronger battery. However, SLA should not be discounted as it still has an edge over lithium in some applications, like long strings, extremely high rate of discharge, and cold temperature charging. If there is an application not covered above, or if you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us.

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