Still, they tend to be significantly more expensive and harder to find. A few batteries available have an 80% safe discharge rate. Deep cycle batteries are designed to be regularly discharged using most of their capacity, but if drained too quickly and without proper recharging or rest, the electrolyte solution inside the battery can become too hot, leading to permanent damage.Īny deeper than 50% reduces their lifespan and could lead to permanent damage. However, they are still batteries and can be damaged if discharged below around 50% of their capacity.ĭischarging deep-cycle batteries too frequently can also damage their lifespan and performance. That might seem odd since deep cycle batteries are, after all, meant to be discharged deeply. To prevent sulfation from occurring, it's important to recharge your deep cycle battery every few months, even if you're not using it regularly.Īnother common way deep-cycle batteries can be damaged is by discharging them too deeply or too frequently. Sulfation causes crystals to form on the plates inside the battery, reducing its ability to hold a charge and eventually leading to failure. Sulfation occurs when the battery has been sitting idle for an extended period without being used or recharged. It's essential to use a charger specifically designed for deep-cycle batteries and to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when charging them. This causes the electrolyte solution inside the battery to become too hot, which can lead to permanent damage. Overcharging can occur when the battery is left plugged in for too long or charged at too high a voltage. One of the more common causes of damage to deep-cycle batteries that we come across regularly is overcharging. However, certain things can ruin a deep-cycle battery if not correctly taken care of. As such, they are a great storage source for renewable energy. In that case, it could be a sign that the battery is going bad.ĭeep cycle batteries are designed to be regularly discharged "deeply," meaning using most of their capacity. Suppose your deep cycle battery is experiencing sluggish performance, i.e., taking extra long to charge or not seeming to handle the power requirements that it used to. It's when they pass that threshold that it’s dangerous. Under normal use, it’s normal for batteries to be warm. Not paying attention to this could lead to a fire. If your deep cycle battery that used to last for a long time is suddenly getting hot to the touch or seems to be draining far too quickly, it’s time to get it tested or replaced.Ī hot battery under normal conditions means something isn't right inside the circuitry or actual chemical reactions within the battery. Borrow a friend's charger to try on your battery as an additional test to ensure something isn't weird with your charger. You will want to test your battery charger on another battery to ensure it's not the charger's fault before assuming that the expensive bundle of technology in front of you is the culprit. This might seem like a freebie, but if your deep-cycle battery won't charge, it's probably bad. How to Tell if a Deep Cycle Battery is Bad It won’t charge So read on to learn about deep-cycle batteries and general maintenance tips.
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