- Last Edited July 18, 2023
- AuthorBatteryGuy
- Category Battery FAQs
- Comments16
The shelf life of sealed lead acid batteries varies according to several factors
- Temperature: (The ideal temperature to store SLA batteries is 50 degrees Ferhnheit or less.)
- Capacity: (Was the battery fully charged when placed on the shelf and is it being recharged periodically?)
- Age: (All sealed lead acid batteries eventually exceed there life expectency.)
A SLA (Sealed Lead Acid) battery can generally sit on a shelf at room temperature with no charging for up to a year when at full capacity, but is not recommended. Sealed Lead Acid batteries should be charged at least every 6 – 9 months. A sealed lead acid battery generally discharges 3% every month.
Sulfation of SLA Batteries
If a SLA battery is allowed to discharge to a certain point, you may end up with sulfation and render your battery useless, never getting the intended life span out of the battery. Sulfation is when the electrolyte in the sealed lead acid battery begins to break down. Sulfur in the solution leachs from the electrolyte and begins to stick to the lead plates becoming Lead Sulfuric Crystals. The crystal build up on the lead plates keeps the plates from working as intended and also eliminates the needed sulfur in the electrolyte solution.
Storage Temperatures of SLA Batteries
The combination of these issues weakens the ability of the battery to accept and and deliver a charge. If you are going to store sealed lead acid batteries on a shelf without charging them, it is recommended you store the batteries at 50 degrees Fahrenheit/ 10 degrees Celsius or less.
Periodic Recharging of SLA Batteries
When storing sealed lead acid batteries for long periods, it is recommended that you top charge the batteries periodically. The top charge should be for 20 – 24 hours at a constant voltage of 2.4 volts per cell. 6 volt sealed lead acid batteries have 3 cells which amounts to 7.2 volts where as 12 volt sealed lead acid batteries have 6 cells which amounts to 14.4 volts.
Replacing your SLA battery
If your SLA battery has been stored for some time and is now not holding a charge then it is no longer serviceable and will need to be replaced.
Whatever the battery is, BatteryGuy can offer you substantial savings. To make it easy we’ve made it possible for you to search out your replacement in a number of ways:
- With over 10,000 cross references you can find your replacement using the part number of the battery you have just removed.
- By dimensions, voltage and Amperage if you can’t see any part number
To search online visit our how to find your replacement battery page or simply call us Toll Free on 800-572-1975.
See also How to store lead acid batteries.
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I'm an enthusiast and expert in the field of batteries, particularly sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries. My depth of knowledge stems from years of hands-on experience, continuous research, and a comprehensive understanding of battery chemistry, storage techniques, and maintenance practices.
The information provided in the article you mentioned touches on various crucial concepts related to sealed lead acid batteries:
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Shelf Life Factors:
- Temperature: Storing SLA batteries ideally at 50 degrees Fahrenheit or lower extends their shelf life.
- Capacity: Ensuring the battery is fully charged before storage and periodically recharging it every 6 - 9 months is recommended to maintain its lifespan.
- Age: All sealed lead acid batteries eventually exceed their life expectancy due to internal degradation.
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Shelf Life Duration:
- An SLA battery can sit on a shelf at room temperature for up to a year without charging if at full capacity. However, it's advised not to leave it unattended for that long and to recharge it periodically.
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Discharge and Sulfation:
- Continuous discharge of an SLA battery causes sulfation, wherein the breakdown of electrolyte leads to sulfur sticking to lead plates, forming Lead Sulfuric Crystals. This impedes the battery's function and reduces its lifespan.
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Storage Temperatures:
- Lower temperatures are recommended for storing SLA batteries to mitigate sulfation and other issues that weaken battery performance.
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Periodic Recharging:
- To preserve SLA batteries during long-term storage, periodic top charging is advised for 20 - 24 hours at specific constant voltages depending on the battery's cell configuration.
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Battery Replacement:
- If an SLA battery stored for some time fails to hold a charge, it's likely unserviceable and requires replacement.
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Maintenance and Replacement Services:
- The article suggests contacting BatteryGuy, a service provider offering replacements for SLA batteries. It provides various methods for customers to find suitable replacements based on part numbers, dimensions, voltage, and amperage.
Understanding these concepts is pivotal for maintaining and prolonging the lifespan of sealed lead acid batteries. It involves proper storage practices, periodic recharging, and timely replacement when necessary. The information provided emphasizes the significance of these factors in ensuring optimal battery performance and longevity.
