There are several types of lead batteries on the market. This choice can make it difficult to decide which lead acid battery is best for your UPS project. We discuss the merits of flooded, advanced glass mat, and gelled lead batteries. Each of these has their purpose. At the end of this article you will know which one to choose for your UPS backup.
Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries for Starters
Flooded lead-acid batteries have liquid electrolyte between their lead plates, allowing their charge to flow freely. This arrangement allows them to deliver large amounts of electricity instantly, making them ideal for automotive starter motors.These include cars, trucks and motorcycles too.
However, flooded lead-acid batteries do have a few disadvantages that you should know, before you purchase. The electrolyte is a solution of sulfuric acid and water, and the water gradually evaporates through vents in the caps, affecting the ratio. Therefore these need regular topping up with water, or else they wear out sooner.
Absorbent Glass Mat Batteries Better for UPS
Absorbent glass-mat lead acid batteries, replace the liquid sulfuric acid-water electrolyte with a mat soaked in the liquid. This method reduces the evaporation to the extent that vented filling caps are unnecessary, allowing sealed battery cases.
Which lead acid battery is best of these two, do you think? One big advantage of glass mat batteries is they don’t give off a sulfur smell, and they can’t leak even if you turn them upside down. They are also maintenance free, making them a better solution inside buildings for UPS systems, home alarms and emergency lighting.
The Best Solution for UPS Lead Acid Batteries
Deep cycle, sealed, gel lead acid batteries deliver a steadier discharge than auto starter batteries do, and last longer between recharges. They achieve this by using a silica gel in their electrolyte, making them an ideal home UPS battery.
These gel batteries also require less maintenance than their absorbent glass mat cousins, making them preferable for electronic applications. There’s therefore no question which lead acid battery is best for your UPS. This is the one for your UPS!
Gel lead batteries have excellent deep-cycling properties, making them ideal when power cuts occur, and you need them to deep discharge regularly. You can choose one with confidence for your UPS, emergency lighting, and anywhere else, where you need affordable portable electricity you can rely on.
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