Customers often ask if they can use their car battery to power appliances while camping or at the cottage instead of a deep cycle one. ‘Why is the starting battery not suitable for this? Why are starting batteries dangerous to charge indoors?’ they want to know.
A battery is a bit like a savings wallet. It follows if we keep withdrawing from it, soon there will be nothing left. Banks have different investment opportunities for different purposes. In the same way, there is a huge difference between deep cycling and starting lead acid batteries.
Let’s Begin with Starting Batteries First
Starting batteries in cars provide short sharp bursts of power especially for when the motor is not running. They also serve as uninterruptible power supplies when idling in stop-start traffic with the audio turned up high. However, their design brief does not include regular deep discharging. Their plates are thin, and could warp or pit.
Comparing Deep Cycle Batteries Next
Firstly, deep cycle batteries deliver less instant energy because they have thicker plates. This means they can survive a greater number of total discharge cycles.
Secondly, they excel where we require deep, repetitive amperage drain. Typical applications are trolling motors anglers use for fishing inland waters, motor homes, and electric wheelchairs.
Are Dual Purpose Batteries a Compromise?
They are not ideal. Some small watercraft do use them where there is insufficient space for both starting and deep cycle batteries. However, they lack the energy to really crank a motor into life. In addition, they also cannot withstand as many deep discharge / recharge cycles as the real thing.
Use a Battery as the Designer Intended
Banks provide a variety of different accounts. They set their interest rates to make sure we use savings accounts for saving, and current accounts for cash flow. The world of batteries is similar. Get the best value from your starting and deep cycle batteries. Use them as the designer intended.
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