The deep cycle battery

23.20.2013

The deep cycle battery

Among the different types of batteries, there is the deep cycle battery, also known as the « marine battery ». This battery is often compared to the automobile battery due to its size, but its use is not the same!

- The deep cycle battery is designed to give its power over a long period of time to run 12 volts lights and other equipment during many hours. It therefore supplies a certain amount of amperes per hour.

- An automobile battery can give almost all its power in one big shot in order to make the starter turn at full speed and then be recharged by the alternator. This battery can empty itself quickly if we require from it constant current. (E.g.: a forgotten light).

« Go ahead empty it, that's what it's for!.....Mmm, not really! »

The term deep cycle may sometimes mislead many people. Often we think that it is a battery that we can empty fully, deeply. But in fact it is the « amperage reserve » that is deep and that has more autonomy. This type of battery may seriously be damaged if it is discharged completely.

The "cycle" of life

Each battery has life cycles; a cycle is equal to a full discharge and a recharge. Therefore, completely discharging a battery reduces prematurely its life, because it takes a battery’s life cycles each time. (E.g.: a battery may have 500 cycles.)

To keep your battery healthy during many years, we recommend using up about 50% (12.28V) of its capacity and then recharging it with an adequate charger. You will save cycles on the battery, extend the life span on your battery and you will also facilitate the recharge (A battery that is too much discharged is difficult to recharge).

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