Types; Starting Batteries; Deep-Cycle Batteries; Sealed Gel Cell - Trace Engineering Legend Owner's/Operator's Manual

B A T T E R I E S

Types

There are two principal types of batteries: starting and deep-cycle. There are several different types
of battery chemistries including liquid lead-acid, nickel-iron (NiFe), nickel-cadmium (NiCad), alkaline,
and gel-cell. Batteries are either sealed or vented.

Starting Batteries

Starting batteries are designed for high cranking power, but not deep cycling. Do not use them with
your inverter. They do not hurt the inverter but they simply will not last long in a deep-cycle
application. The way they are rated should give a good indication of their intended use: " Cold
Cranking Amps" , a measure of the amperage output that can be sustained for 30 seconds. Starting
batteries use lots of thin plates to maximize the surface area of the battery. This allows very high
starting current but lets the plates warp when the battery is cycled.

Deep-Cycle Batteries

Deep-cycle batteries are best suited for use with inverters. They are designed to have the majority of
their capacity used before being recharged. Available in many sizes and types, the most common
type is the non-sealed, liquid electrolyte battery. Non-sealed types have battery caps. The caps
should be removed at least monthly to check the level of electrolyte. When a cell is low, only distilled
water should be added. The electrolyte level should be checked monthly and topped up if needed
after recharging.
The most common deep-cycle batteries are the types used with boats and motor homes. They are
12-volt batteries rated at 80 to 100 amp-hours. Often the deep cycle claim is over-stated. They do
have greater capacity than a car battery, but are not recommended.
Another popular and inexpensive battery of this type is the " golf car" (T-105 or CG220) battery.
Rated at 220 amp-hours, these six-volt batteries can be discharged repeatedly to 80% of their
capacity without being damaged. This is the minimum quality of battery that should be used with the
Legend Series II inverter in normal applications.
Some systems use the L16 type of battery. These are 6-volt batteries rated at 350 amp-hours and
are available from a number of manufacturers. They are 17 inches in height and weigh up to 130
pounds each - which may be troublesome in installations.
Type 8D batteries are available in either cranking or deep-cycle construction. The deep cycle
versions are 12-volt batteries rated at 200 amp-hours or so. Since they are most commonly used to
start truck engines, you should make sure you purchase the deep cycle version. Type 4D batteries
are very similar in construction, but somewhat smaller.

Sealed Gel Cell

Another type of battery construction is the sealed gel-cell. They don' t use battery caps. The
electrolyte is in the form of a gel rather than a liquid. This allows the batteries to be mounted in any
position without spilling. The advantages are no maintenance (to the battery itself, the system will still
Trace Engineering Co. Inc. Tel (360) 435-8826 Part Number 3179
5916 195 Street, NE Fax (360) 435-2229 Effective August 6, 1998
th
Arlington, WA 98223 USA www.traceengineering.com
Page
42