#Deep cycle batteries full

They need energy over a long period of time, so they discharge to a lower level, and then recharge to full capacity via solar panels or simply connecting to a charger that’s plugged into a power point.ĭeep cycle batteries are different to SLI or ISS batteries used in cars as they have: The power needs for camping or marine are different to automotive.

The way an automotive battery is constructed suits these requirements. Only a small amount of the power stored in the battery is used, and then as you drive the car the alternator restores what was used. Cars use SLI (Starting, Light, Ignition) batteries, or ISS (Intermittent Stop Start) batteries. It’s obvious for boats, but why not just use your car battery when camping?Ī car requires a high burst of power for a short time – just enough to get started. You might be wondering why you’d choose a deep cycle battery over a regular automotive battery. It’s designed to withstand constant discharge and to then be recharged, ready to use again. To fully enjoy the outdoors and all it has to offer, many turn to deep cycle batteries and so enjoy camping, caravanning, and boating.įor the uninitiated, a deep cycle battery is essential for providing power over a sustained period of time.

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#Deep cycle batteries how to

For more information about how to select the right deep cycle battery for you, contact MK Battery today and speak with one of our battery specialists right away.

As a result, deep cycle batteries are more costly than regular batteries, but you should never substitute a regular battery for a deep cycle battery because it won’t be able to handle the work. Remember, these two battery types may look the same, but their internal components work differently. Now that you understand the differences between deep cycle and regular lead-acid batteries, you will be able to choose the right battery for your needs. With an ignition lead acid battery, the rating that matters most is the cold cranking amps (CCA), which only tells you how much power the battery can produce in a single burst at 32 degrees. These numbers tell you how long the battery will last, how far you should be discharging the battery, how long you can expect to go before you need a battery replacement, and what kind of power you can expect in the meantime. For instance, a deep cycle battery listing will tell you that it produces 75 Amp-Hours for a period of 20 hours, and is rated for 1000 full cycles at 80% depth of discharge. How to Read Deep Cycle Battery SpecsĪ deep cycle battery is rated by the number of complete cycles that it will provide, as well as the depth of discharge that is allowable, and the amount of amperage that it will produce steadily. In this case, the battery is not designed to be cycled because it should be kept fully charged at all times. By contrast, a regular car battery is designed to provide a momentary burst of energy, typically enough to get your car started, before handing off power production to the alternator. Here’s what you need to know: What Does “Deep Cycle” Mean?Ī deep cycle battery is a battery that is designed to produce steady power output over an extended period of time, discharging the battery significantly, at which point it must be recharged to complete the cycle. The difference between these batteries is extremely important to understand if you want a reliable battery experience. If you’ve spent any time shopping for batteries for your electric wheelchair or other equipment, you’ve probably noticed that some batteries are labeled as “deep cycle” batteries, while others are not.