Jul 07, 2021 Pageview:1796
A type of lead-acid rechargeable battery that uses a gel electrolyte instead of the more common liquid type, this power pack produces less heat and provides longer run-times than regular batteries. This means they can be used in larger applications including golf carts, electric cars and emergency backup for power outages.
In this guide, we look at how long these batteries can last.
Introduction to a Gel Battery
A gel battery is an alternative power source for portable photography lights, laptops and other electronic devices. The batteries are created from non-hazardous materials that pose no risk of fire or explosion in contrast with the traditional lead acid type of battery. They work on two basic principles: gelled electrolyte (the substance between the plates) and selenium dioxide as a reducing agent.
Gel cells have a long-life span if they're not discharged excessively which makes them perfect for emergency kits where you can't recharge your device every few hours like you would with a traditional car or phone charger. Unlike their counterparts though, these batteries require water levels be checked periodically so that there's enough moisture in the case to prevent it from drying out.
Alternatives to gel cells include the traditional lead acid battery which is rechargeable but has been known to catch on fire due to its flammable components and lithium-ion batteries that are lightweight, durable and do not pose a risk of explosion but also require more upkeep because they need to be stored at room temperature so as not to overheat or discharge too quickly.
How do you know if a Gel battery is bad?
A bad gel battery can cause the car to stall or have problems starting. Here is how to tell if the gel cell battery is bad:
-If the battery is more than three years old, it should be tested. A bad battery can lose up to 20% of its power every year even if the car isn't being driven much or at all. You may need a new gel cell after only two years in storage! This could also indicate that you have an alternator problem.
-Check for corrosion on both terminals with your eye and then touch them with one finger (and don’t use any metal objects!). Corrosion indicates a leaking electrolyte from inside the cells and that would mean there is no way to fix this type of battery without replacing it entirely. It's time to get a new Gel Cell Battery!
-Examine how well each cell is holding a charge when the battery has been properly charged. Cells that are not taking a full charge or cells with any signs of bubbling on top would require replacing the gel battery as well.
-If there’s no corrosion and all cells are holding their proper voltage, you may have an alternator problem rather than a bad gel cell battery! Have your car inspected to determine if this could be true before spending money for new batteries or parts in order to fix it.
How long does a gel cell battery last?
The lifespan of a gel cell battery is usually longer than that of an AGM or lead acid battery. It depends on the manufacturer and how it's been cared for, so there can be no clear answer to what will happen if you don't maintain your batteries in new ways. However, some manufacturers say their batteries are good up to 15 years.
Gel cells have higher capacity ratings than other types of deep cycle batteries. They use thicker plates which allow them to store more energy per unit volume - but at the same time these plates also make them heavier than comparable sized conventional flooded or sealed valve regulated (AGM) lead acid units. Therefore, gel cells are generally not as popular for use in car batteries or other applications where weight is critical such as wheelchairs, scooters and bikes.
On the plus side, a more concentrated charge means that you can store less power than with an AGM battery but still get longer life out of it - so if your application doesn't need mobility then these might be better suited than lead acid units. They also have lower self-discharge rates, which is their advantage over sealed valve regulated lead acid (AGM) batteries in situations like home solar installations and RV's where you don't want to spend time constantly checking on them to maintain voltage levels. Gel cell deep cycle batteries do have shorter lifespans though - up to around two years in some cases - so they may not be the best option for use as a backup power source.
Can you revive a dead Gel battery?
No. Gel batteries cannot be revived once they're dead. They need to be replaced with a new battery when this happens. Trying to revive these batteries is not advised because it will only waste your time. These are not like small batteries that can be reused in other devices.
The good news it, gel batteries are quite durable. They can last for more than 15 years, which should give you enough use and time to find a replacement.
Are Gel batteries better than acid?
Yes, Gel Batteries are better that acid because acid can produce a dangerous and corrosive gas called hydrogen chloride.
Hydrogen chloride is poisonous, has no color or smell, and can be fatal if it gets into the lungs or eyes. Gel batteries are made of potassium hydroxide which means they cannot create this toxic gas when used as intended with proper handling precautions in place for safety reasons.
Gel Batteries also have less risk of leakage because their electrodes contain water-based gel instead of sulfuric acid to conduct electricity more efficiently while not producing any harmful gases like acid does over time.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it, everything you need to know about the life expectancy of gel batteries. If you have any questions, please reach out and we will answer them.
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