Standard rechargeable batteries don’t tolerate a discharge level above 50-60% due to their construction: a certain level of discharge triggers physical and chemical processes due to which it loses part of its capacity. A deep cycle battery is a type of battery that can be deeply discharged on a regular basis without any damages.
Such a battery has a wide variety of applications. It can be used as a source of backup and starting power for almost any systems: power supply for motors, different equipment, and as a backup power system in offices, industrial and civil facilities.
However, it’s a complex and advanced device that has a lot of peculiarities. So, read on to make yourself aware of this type of battery. You can also read some review about the best deep cycle battery to find out even more information.
Deep cycle battery pros and cons
Pros
- a deep cycle battery can be discharged up to 5-30% (or even completely) and it won’t affect its capacity;
- it’s generally designed to last longer than a standard battery;
- it requires minimal maintenance;
- depending on the model, a deep cycle battery can even be resistant to vibrations, extremely low/high temperatures, etc.
Cons
- it’s much more expensive than a regular battery.
Why do you need a deep cycle battery?
Of course, a deep cycle battery is not a must-have device. However, standard batteries are sensitive to both deep discharge and overcharge, and it’s not always possible to prevent them. In addition, potential battery damages don’t always depend on the owner. For example, the overcharging may occur due to the malfunction in the electrical system while accidental deep discharge may occur because of some dysfunctions in the car generator. Both of these cases can lead to irreversible sulphation, and, in result, you won’t be able to charge your battery anymore.
How many deep discharges a deep cycle battery can handle?
Depending on the construction, it can handle from 300 to 800 or even more discharge cycles (for more than 60%).
Such a battery is designed to work for 10 years or even more in perfect maintaining conditions. This means that the user should strictly follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to prolong the battery’s service term. Typically, these recommendations consist of specific requirements for proper battery storage.
How to choose a deep cycle battery?
Before choosing such a battery, you have to decide in which conditions it will be used and where it will be stored. Then, if you decide that it suits you more than a standard battery, the first thing you should do is check the battery’s capacity. It shows the load at which the battery will work for a given time while maintaining the operating voltage. This parameter also indicates how long the battery will last and also says about its weight: the thicker plates are used in the manufacturing of the batteries with high capacity.
You also should check the battery’s release date as any battery is prone to self-discharge over time.
How to maintain a deep cycle battery
A proper maintenance is a key for maximisation of the life term of your battery. You just have to follow some simple instructions to ensure that your deep cycle battery will serve you for many years:
1. Use the right charger for your battery
Make sure that you use the suitable charger. If you use an over-sized charger, this will quickly lead to the damage of your battery and may even cause its explosion. If the charger will be too small for your battery, it just won’t be able to charge it anyway.
2. Clean it from dirt and dust
The dirt buildups on your battery may clog up the terminals and affect the battery’s effectiveness. So don’t ignore cleaning it up from time to time.
3. Don’t forget to charge the battery when you don’t use it
Any battery discharges by itself in the periods of inactivity and the deep cycle battery is not an exception. To keep the voltage up, don’t forget to charge it at least once per month when the weather is warm, and at least 2 times per month during cold temperatures.
