Leisure batteries - frequently asked questions

1. Why do Elecsol Leisure Batteries out-cycle flooded, sealed and gel battery types?
2. How should I charge my leisure battery?
3. Can the battery be 'overcharged'? How can I avoid overcharging my deep cycle leisure battery?
4. Can I get more power or voltage by joining batteries together?
5. How should I recharge my Elecsol Battery from Flat?
6. What happens if I leave my Elecsol Battery in a discharged or 'flat' state?
7. I have a 75 amp hour battery, can I replace it with something larger for more power?
8. Can I use an Elecsol Battery for engine starting?
9. Can I check the state of charge of my battery with a hydrometer?

1. Why do Elecsol Leisure batteries out-cycle most other types?

All batteries are manufactured to provide a certain number of deep discharge cycles. The conventional leisure battery should give a cycling life of between 200 - 300 deep discharges. A Gel battery will give between 400 - 500 cycles and an AGM battery 600 - 800 cycles. The Elecsol batteries will give over 1000 deep discharge cycles.

Batteries fail in cycling life due to a permanent encapsulation of PbSO4 on the plates (lead sulphation). The capacity loss is more rapid with these battery types, the deeper that the battery is discharged, and the quicker lead sulphation builds up. Upon recharging the battery, not all of this sulphation is converted back to lead (PB0). The result is a gradual loss of capacity.

Another major reason for premature battery failure is due to the oxide shredding from the plate. Standard lead plates are bound only with acrylic and polyester fibres they do not serve as reinforcement of the plate. The cycling life of the ELECSOL battery is much greater than all other battery types because THE CARBON FIBRE ELIMINATES LEAD SULPHATION OF THE PLATES PERMANENTLY. Upon recharging, the original capacity will be replenished. Carbon Fibre acts as a mechanical reinforcement fibre to the lead grid and paste reducing oxide shredding.

2. How do I recharge my deep cycle leisure battery?

Here are a few ways that a leisure battery can be charged.

A. Using the in-built or factory fitted charger.

Most caravan and motorhome users rely upon the in-built charger in their vehicles. Although this charging system is sufficient, the technical disadvantage with this product is it never fully charges the battery to its full capacity. The charge voltage is cut off prematurely at 13.85 volts. Whichever type of leisure battery you use, the in built charger will give a maximum charge to within 80% of the batteries original capacity. Over a period of time, this can cause sulphation of the plates in other leisure battery brands, due to under charging. It is recommended that you occasionally boost charge your battery away from your caravan/motorhome using a stand-alone charger to either 14.4 volts for Elecsol batteries or 14.8 volts for other leisure battery brands to ensure that your battery is operating at its full capacity. If the stand-alone charger you use is not self-cut off, then rely on a multimeter to check the voltage.

B. Charging using solar panels.

Solar panels are an ideal way to charge a battery. There are many different types of solar panels available from the inexpensive to the top of the range. They have improved considerably in the last few years offering practical power in compact sizes. Once installed, they require little or no maintenance allowing you to enjoy your leisure time knowing that you will always have sufficient power when it is required. A regulator is required with any solar panel above 22 watt. The regulator switches to pulse charging when the battery is 95% charged and turns off completely when charge is completed, turning on again only when required to keep the battery topped up.

C. Charging with generators.

There are many different types of generators widely used, which offer a quick solution to charging a low/flat battery. Whilst using the enerator to charge your battery, always ensure the electrolyte is above the plates. If your battery is low on electrolyte, you can inadvertently damage the plates of the battery and cause premature failure of the product. It is not advisable to leave your generator continually connected to the battery. Always disconnect the generator when the battery is fully charged, and follow the manufacturers guidelines on safety, (Important: To ensure no damage to batteries is sustained whilst charging with a generator, use a
Multimeter to check charging voltage when 14.40V is reached, switch off the generator).

D. Charging with an alternator.

Most alternators are regulated to charge to maximum of 14.4 volts. Alternator sizes would be best determined at an example of 15 amps per battery i.e. 3 batteries x 15 amps = 45 amp alternator.

3. Can the battery be 'overcharged'? How can I avoid overcharging my deep cycle leisure battery?

Never leave your battery connected to a charger for more than the time required. Over charging occurs when the battery remains on charge after it has reached full charge (14.40 volts). Overcharging causes excess heat that can cause the plates within the cells to buckle and shred their active material. The battery will also react to the overcharge by producing excess hydrogen and oxygen as the water within the electrolyte breaks down. The water that is lost due to overcharging can be replaced in a non-sealed battery. In a sealed battery, the water loss is permanent and will negatively affect the battery service life.

4. Can I get more power or voltage by joining batteries together?

For 240 volts through an inverter, connect the batteries in parallel, negative-to-negative and positive-to-positive.
To increase capacity for 12 volts, connect the batteries in parallel, negative-to-negative and positive-to-positive.
For 24 volt, 36 volt and 48-volt systems, connect in series, positive-to-negative.
Never mix battery capacities, this will cause over charging on one battery and insufficient charge on the other. Connect a 100 amph to a 100 amph. If one battery is significantly older, it can pull a newer battery down because of lead sulphation.

5. How should I recharge my Elecsol Battery from Flat?

Depending on how flat the battery is, charging will take up to 11 hours using a quality 10 amp charger (based on the Elecsol 110 battery). The battery is fully charged when the charging voltage reaches 14.4 volts.

6. What happens if I leave my Elecsol Battery in a discharged or 'flat' state?

Unlike conventional batteries, the Elecsol range does not suffer from permanent lead sulphation, which is caused by leaving your battery in a discharged state or by overcharging. (See first question).

7. I have a 75 amp hour battery, can I replace it with something larger for more power?

Yes, if your electrical needs have increased it is always wise to check how much extra amp's you require to run your equipment efficiently. We say there is no substitute for power, however where size restrictions exist the 80/100 amph battery has been designed to give you that extra power you need, whilst keeping the size and weight of the battery to a minimum.

8. Can I use an Elecsol Battery for engine starting?

Yes, you can. Unlike traditional leisure batteries, the Elecsol range has been designed for dual-purpose applications. It can be used as a domestic battery and for starting.

9. Can I check the state of charge of my battery with a hydrometer?

Elecsol leisure batteries use a much lower sg acid than that of traditional battery brands. This has a result that the sg on the hydrometer will never reach the top of the green marker, but will sit in the middle at 1.25sg. When the hydrometer reaches 1.25sg per cell, the Elecsol battery is fully charged. Lower sg's are used to minimise the growth decay / grid corrosion over a period of time.

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