Frequently Asked Questions

Water should never be added to deep-cycle AGM or Gel batteries, as they do not lose water during use. Deep-cycle flooded/wet batteries need to be watered periodically. The frequency depends upon battery usage and operating temperatures. Check new batteries every few weeks to determine the watering frequency for your application. It is normal for batteries to need more watering as they age. * Fully charge the batteries prior to adding water. Only add water to discharged or partially charge batteries if the plates are exposed. In this case, add just enough water to cover the plates and then charge the batteries and continue with the watering procedure below. * Remove the vent caps and place them upside down so that dirt does not get on the underside of the cap. * If the electrolyte level is well above the plates then it is not necessary to add more water. * If the electrolyte level is barely covering the plates, add distilled or de-ionized water to a level 1/8" (3 mm) below the vent well (this is the plastic shield inside the vent hole) for standard batteries. * After adding water, secure vent caps back on batteries.Then place the batteries on charge. Charging actually converts the distilled water into sulfuric acid. * Only use distilled water!

An AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery is a sealed, non-spillable maintenance free, valve regulated battery. An AGM battery utilizes a fine fiber glass material separator between the lead plates within the battery. AGM batteries, also called starved electrolyte, operate with no maintenance, can be installed in most any configuration (expect inverted) without spill and provide outstanding power per dollar invested. AGM batteries are commonly interchanged with traditional flooded lead acid batteries as the charge/discharge profile of these batteries are similar. AGM batteries have low internal resistance and a very low self-discharge rate (from 1%-3% per month depending on storage temperature). So they can sit in storage for much longer periods without charging. The AGM design is also highly resistant to vibration deterioration.

Heavy Duty non-rechargeable batteries, also recognized as carbon zinc or zinc chloride, provide dependable, economic power solutions for every day use. Generally used in low drain, consumer electronics, heavy duty batteries are configured in most common sizes (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V), as well as, specialty sizes for telecommunications, hobby and industrial uses.

Silver Oxide batteries provide extensive power in miniature configurations. Primary applications for silver oxide batteries are watches, camera and measurement instruments.

Zinc Air batteries provide the highest power density for non-rechargeable chemistries per unit of weight. Compact in size and utilizing oxygen for "activation", zinc air batteries are commonly used in hearing aid, medical and mercury replacement applications.

A gel battery design is a sealed, non-spillable maintenance free, valve regulated battery. A Gel battery has a gelling agent added to the electrolyte to reduce movement inside the battery case. Many gel batteries also use one way valves in place of open vents, this helps the normal internal gasses to recombine back into water in the battery, reducing gassing. "Gel Cell" batteries are non-spillable even if they are broken. Gel batteries are generally used in deep cycle applications and provide great deep discharge and recovery capabilities.

Alkaline batteries, also known as manganese dioxide, are non-rechargeable and are the most commonly used batteries for heavy current, extended run-time disposable applications. Able to operate in a wide range of temperatures and perform under varying drains (low and high), alkaline batteries are the choice for consumer electronics. The most common sizes are AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V configurations.

NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) batteries provide outstanding capacity in lightweight, rechargeable format. NiMH is interchangeable with NiCd in devices while providing a more environmentally friendly profile. Generally utilized in applications ranging from cellular phone to camcorder/digital cameras, etc. NiMH batteries offer higher capacity than NiCd, but with fewer cycles. NiMh batteries should be recycled properly.

NiCd (NiCad or Nickel Cadmium) batteries provide high discharge capability with great cycling performance. Generally utilized in every day use applications such as cordless phones or in high drain, fast recharge applications such as cordless tools or 2-way radios. NiCd batteries offer more cycling capability than NiMH, but with lower capacity. NiCd batteries can develop "memory" if not properly taken care of. All NiCd batteries must be recycled properly.

Li-ion (lithium ion) batteries use lithium compounds which are much more stable than the elemental lithium used in non rechargeable lithium batteries. A lithium battery should never be recharged, while lithium-ion batteries are designed to be recharged hundreds of times. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries have a higher energy density than more other types of rechargeables. This means that for their size or weight they can store more energy than other rechargeable, typically about 3.7 volts for lithium-ion vs. 1.2 volts for NiMH or NiCd. This means a single cell can often be used rather than multiple NiMH or NiCd cells. Lithium-ion batteries also have a lower self discharge rate than other types of rechargeable batteries. This means that once they are charged they will retain their charge for a longer time than other types of rechargeable batteries. NiMH and NiCd batteries can lose anywhere from 1-50px of their charge per day, (depending on storage temperatures) even if they are not installed in a device. Lithium-ion batteries will retain most of their charge even after months of storage.

Lithium is a very active material that provides a great deal of power relative to the amount of material used in the battery. Lithium batteries are extremely light in weight while maintaining a higher voltage and longer service life compared to other primary chemistries such as alkaline. Non-rechargeable lithium batteries are typically 3.0V to 3.6V in range, but 1.5V AA and AAA formats are also available.

Batteries produce explosive gases. These instructions are designed to minimize the explosion hazard. Keep sparks, flames, cigarettes away from batteries at all times. Both batteries should be of the same voltage (6, 12, etc). Safe Booster Cable Operation: When jump starting, always wear proper eye protection and never lean over the battery. Do not jump start a damaged battery; inspect both batteries before connecting booster cables. Be sure vent caps are tight and level. Be sure that the vehicles are not touching and that both ignition switches are in the "OFF" position. Turn off all electrical equipment (radio, defroster, windshield wipers, lights, etc.) The following steps should be followed exactly: 1) Connect positive (+) booster cable to the positive terminal of the discharge battery. 2) Connect other end of positive (+) cable to positive (+) terminal of the assisting battery 3) Connect negative (-) cable to negative terminal of the assisting battery. 4) MAKE FINAL CONNECTION OF NEGATIVE (-) CABLE TO ENGINE BLOCK OF STALLED VEHICLE, AWAY FROM BATTERY AND CARBURETOR. 5) Be sure that cables are clear of fan blades, belts and other moving parts of both engines. 6) Start vehicle and remove cables in REVERSE order of the connections.

Batteries produce explosive gases. These instructions are designed to minimize the explosion hazard. Keep sparks, flames, cigarettes away from batteries at all times. Both batteries should be of the same voltage (6, 12, etc). Safe Booster Cable Operation: When jump starting, always wear proper eye protection and never lean over the battery. Do not jump start a damaged battery; inspect both batteries before connecting booster cables. Be sure vent caps are tight and level. Be sure that the vehicles are not touching and that both ignition switches are in the "OFF" position. Turn off all electrical equipment (radio, defroster, windshield wipers, lights, etc.) The following steps should be followed exactly: 1) Connect positive (+) booster cable to the positive terminal of the discharge battery. 2) Connect other end of positive (+) cable to positive (+) terminal of the assisting battery 3) Connect negative (-) cable to negative terminal of the assisting battery. 4) MAKE FINAL CONNECTION OF NEGATIVE (-) CABLE TO ENGINE BLOCK OF STALLED VEHICLE, AWAY FROM BATTERY AND CARBURETOR. 5) Be sure that cables are clear of fan blades, belts and other moving parts of both engines. 6) Start vehicle and remove cables in REVERSE order of the connections.

Yes. Lead acid batteries are the most commonly recycled product in the world! The lead in the battery is re-used in new batteries. The plastic containers and covers of old batteries are neutralized, reground and used in the manufacture of new battery cases. The electrolyte can be processed for recycled waste water uses. In some cases, the electrolyte is cleaned and reprocessed and sold as battery grade electrolyte. In other instances, the sulfate content is removed as Ammonia Sulfate and used in fertilizers. The separators are often used as a fuel source for the recycling process.

All rechargeable batteries must be disposed of properly, through approved recycling facilitates. Rechargeable battery types include: NiCd, NiMH, Li-Ion, and Lead Acid (Pb)... Be environmentally conscious. Recycle your batteries!

Yes! Overcharging batteries can reduce their effectiveness, reduce the life of the battery and may cause additional problems. Once a battery is fully charged, you should take it off the charger.

NiCd, NiMH, and Li-Ion are all fundamentally different technologies and cannot be substituted for one another unless the device has been pre-configured from the factory to accept more than one type of rechargeable battery. The difference between them stems from the fact that each technology requires a different charging pattern to be properly recharged. Therefore, the portable device's charger must be properly configured to handle a given type of rechargeable battery types the particular device supports.

Across all battery types, there are several things that you can do to ensure the maximum production from your battery. Keeping your battery at room temperature will help extend its life. Never leave your battery in its charger for more than 24 hours. Doing so will shorten the life of your battery. Keep your batteries clean ensuring a good connection between your battery and its device. Keep your batteries dry. Moisture can corrode contact points and limit charge/discharge performance. Do not leave your battery dormant. Cycle The Battery: Cycling your battery will help maintain top performance. We suggest cycling your battery when you first get it, if you haven't used it in a few weeks, or if it doesn't seem to be performing to its full capacity. Here's how to cycle your battery: 1) Run your battery all the way down until it goes completely dead 2) Recharge the battery fully (If charging in your device, keep it powered off for best results) 3) Repeat

Due to technological advancements, replacement batteries or "aftermarket" batteries will often be exactly the same specifications or in most cases often last longer than the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) batteries that came with your device.

Don't worry. There is nothing wrong with your rechargeable battery. Your rechargeable battery will arrive to you in a slightly discharged condition. Therefore, it must be charged in order for it to work. We recommend that new batteries should be charged and discharged 2-4 times in order to allow them to reach their capacity.