Used Deep Cycle Batteries - Introduction, Safety, and Cost

The majority of us use wonders of technology every day without even noticing the batteries that are powering up these wonders. Nobody ever wonders that how does the battery work or what is it made up of until their battery gets dead or discharged. 

The simple truth, however, is that the job of every battery is to produce/store energy. But there are a lot of different features that each battery type carries because of its construction and operating mechanisms. Each battery serves an important function and is effective for various applications. 

One of such batteries is the deep cycle battery. A deep cycle battery is a lead battery that provides lengthier and continual operations. Deep cycle batteries perform well unti their charge level reaches 80% of their capacity after which the battery needs to be recharged. Even though these batteries can be put into work until their charge levels reach 80% but manufacturers suggest that the battery should not be pushed below the charge level of 45%. 

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They are called deep cycle batteries because their cycle of output produces far better ‘deep cycle’ results as compared to other batteries that offer shorter power outputs for small-time spans. 

Can You Use Second Hand Deep Cycle lithium-ion batteries

Yes, we can use a second-hand deep cycle lithium-ion battery. Second-hand batteries are usually the batteries that have been used by someone before or in some cases refurbished batteries are also called second-hand batteries. The key factor that indicates that if you can use them or not is their charging level and the condition of the battery. 

Refurbished lithium-ion deep cycle batteries are those that went dead and lost their charging but were then charged again and brought back to life. Such deep cycle lithium-ion batteries most often do not return to their 100% state of charge, however, in some cases, they are brought back to 80% of their charging capacity. With their 80% charging capacity restored, these deep cycle lithium-ion batteries can then be used without any problem. 

Another important factor that you should know when you decide to go for a second-hand deep cycle lithium-ion battery is that these batteries can display unexpected behaviors because nobody knows the charging patterns they have served before coming into your use. 

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You can opt for a second-hand battery that still has 60 to 80 percent of its original capacity. However, to ensure that the second-hand deep cycle lithium-ion battery is fit to use and will give off a good result keep a check of the following factors: 

1.Always try checking the output voltage of the battery. Grab a voltmeter and measure the voltage at the battery terminals and check if the battery is offering 60 to 80 percent of its rated voltage. If yes, the battery is good to go. 

2.Use the proper deep cycle lithium-ion battery charger that offers the features of wake-up, recovery, and boost for your battery. Do not try using any of these features without professional supervision if your battery is rated below 1.5 volts. 

3.Apply charger to the battery and then charge it for one minute. Remove the charger and now take a look at the battery level that is increased or not. If not, the battery might as well be dead. 

4.Complete one charge and discharge cycle by charging the battery to its full capacity and then discharge it via heavy load. 

Is a Used lithium-ion battery Dangerous? 

Lithium-ion batteries/Deep Cycle Batteries are perfectly safe if they are used the way they should be used. If any of their features or operating mechanisms are altered then there is no guarantee of them being safe from the manufacturer. However, several cases of heat and fire failures have been reported regarding lithium-ion batteries that were not repaired by certified professionals. 

A used lithium-ion battery can be dangerous if it was repaired by someone who is not certified to do so. Otherwise, used lithium-ion batteries are not dangerous and can be used easily. To be safe, it is a good practice to make sure that the battery has not suffered any excessive vibration threat, overheating, overcharging, or charging below/above the suitable temperatures. Any such practice done in the past can result in a dangerous outcome in the future and should be run across a professional for pre-use diagnosis. 

Another thing that can make a used lithium-ion battery/deep cycle battery dangerous is any past mechanical damage or stress that the battery may have faced. The reason is that any mechanical damage done to the insides of the battery can damage the internals of the battery (electrodes, terminals, casings). It is very important to make sure that the second-hand battery you are opting for is safe from such damages. 

How Much Does a Deep Cycle Battery Cost 

Deep cycle batteries are of different types according to their usage and features. The price of deep cycle batteries new or used depends on their company price, their type of construction, output voltage level, and the ampere-hour rating. 

New Absorbent glass mat battery (AGM) falls in the range of 80 to 100 dollars, however, the used version of absorbent glass mat battery is available at a range of 30 to 60 dollars depending on the voltage rating, size, class, and the availability of company warranty. Some used batteries may cost less and some may cost more with the same specifications because of their chemical and physical condition. 

Used 12-volt deep cycle batteries offering 200 ampere-hour rating cost around 250 dollars for new and around 80 dollars for used units. However, new deep cycle lithium-ion batteries offering a 24-volt output voltage and a current rating of 150 ampere-hours are available at a price range of 600 to 850 dollars. Whereas, the used version of the 24-volt and 150 ampere-hour battery is available at the price range of 200-300 dollars. 

Whichever battery you choose should be according to your need and should be checked for all types of problems before buying because a faulty battery without any checking warranty may become a trouble for the customer.