So bear in mind that conventional lead-acid batteries are not able to perform both starting functions and accessory supply functions with equal effectiveness. However, products called AGM batteries, described later, are better at performing both operations. Leisure batteries’ two-fold tasks I though the radio would just draw the power it needed, but maybe the battery amps exceeded the capacity? Battery specialists sometimes diagnose a lead-acid battery’s condition using a hydrometer to obtain the specific gravity of the acid. Although this method has some advantages, it cannot be used on a sealed battery and the procedure is not discussed further here. When inspecting battery cells, wear safety clothing including eye protection and gloves. Battery acid also damages clothing.

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Now you need to interpret the reading and although we talk about 12V batteries and accessories, this description is only nominal. If a leisure battery achieves a 12V reading, it is considered to have reached a discharged state. This gives your typical daily consumption. It is surprising how much power is required and how we take it for granted. Heavy consumption equipment like motor movers will have a detrimental effect on the battery performance for the reasons explained below. The two existing glands on the left of the box proved perfect for the new cables from Maplins, each one making a good seal.

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Moreover, in a genuine leisure battery, these envelopes also contain glass fibre sheets to press against the lead oxide paste held in each plate. This combats the tendency during constant re-charging for the paste to become loosened and then completely detachedfrom the lead grid. Semi traction and traction batteries (also referred to as deep cycling batteries, lead-acid batteries, wet batteries). Next, you fit a mover and a second, heavier, pair of leads appears. Space inside the battery box starts to get tight. You shorten the new leads to help, but now you have to disconnect the battery before you can lift it to the ground.

safely connect a 12v radio to a 12v leisure battery? How to safely connect a 12v radio to a 12v leisure battery?

Or maybe a combination incorrect polarity and excessive current. i.e. Maybe the radio was protected against incorrect polarity but only up to the recommended 2.2 amps. Whereas a 12V battery is unlikely to cause electrocution, if the terminals or their couple cables are shorted-out, it can cause a fire. Temperature– The stated capacity of a battery is expressed in Amp hours (Ah) but the quoted figure is only applicable when the ambient temperature is 25C. In reality, there are many occasions in the UK when it’s much colder than 25C and for every one degree drop in temperature, there’s an approximate one per cent reduction in a battery’s Ah capacity.

Battery manufacturers often strongly advise that a battery receives a re-charge when its capacity falls below 50 per cent of its full condition. It is also added that you should never run a leisure battery until it is virtually ‘flat’. Further details are covered in the battery charging guide. Sparks sometimes occur when connecting up a battery and good quality clamps are needed. Temporary crocodile clips, often supplied with battery chargers, are not suitable for permanent connections. Also note that a spark can cause ignition of releasing gas or residual gas left in a cell. We found a convenient spot for the junction box on the floor near the battery box. Then it was just a case of cutting the old wires to length and connecting them to the junction box along with the new ones from Maplins.

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Some leisure vehicles, such as those used for off-road quad bikes and jet skis, have a greater likelihood of tipping over. An accidental inversion might also result in the loss of a battery’s corrosive acid which, in turn, might cause personal injury. In response to this, batteries are installed which have a non-spill electrolyte in the form of a gel. Unlike a ‘wet’ battery, a gel battery’s casing is completely sealed. Recently, some imported motorhomes have been fitted with a gel battery rather than a lead-acid battery, but this is for added safety during a crash. From an electrical perspective, batteries with a gel electrolyte are unlikely to perform any better than wet-acid types. Also be aware that when recharging a gel battery, the charge voltage must not exceed 14.2V. Information on charging requirements is a subject in its own right. Cost is the issue, they can typically be more than five times the price of a good quality lead-acid battery. Maintenance-free batteriesNeedless-to-say, if a battery box is mounted inside, heat in the living area will help to improve its performance. However, many batteries are mounted externally where ambient temperatures can be much lower. This guide focuses on lead-acid batteries which are manufactured for particular tasks but in recent years we've seen an increase in the availability of lithium batteries so they're now worth a mention. They also get classified using various names. Types of conventional lead-acid batteries: We scoured the internet for a suitable junction box and found that Screwfix sells a five-way double pole unit rated at 100 amps and capable (in theory) of taking wires up to 25 sq mm. Tool Station has something very similar. The cost is around seven pounds. In contrast, a leisure battery has to provide a steady flow of current over a prolonged period and seldom gets replenished until the user recognises that its voltage level has substantially fallen. That’s when a re-charge is duly provided. If left long in a discharged state, a battery will generally not regain its former condition. Furthermore, manufacturers often recommend that re-charging is commenced when a battery drops to 50 per cent of its full condition. If you have recently disconnected a charger or have been driving a motorhome or towing, a reading will be higher than normal. After a battery has been receiving a charge, it is recommended to let it settle for at least four hours before taking a voltage reading.