Power outages can occur abruptly owing to reasons such as bad weather, blown fuses, or overheating. These occurrences have the potential to result in data loss, which would severely affect your customer's network operations. You may prevent these weaknesses as an installer by choosing a trustworthy battery backup source, such as a Sealed Lead Acid battery (SLA), for a variety of applications. Continue reading to discover more about SLA batteries, including their many varieties, construction, uses, and recommended practices for achieving peak performance in your projects.
SLA batteries, also known as Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries, are rechargeable lead plates and sulfuric acid batteries. They are intended to keep electrolytes in and create electrical energy. SLA batteries provide secondary or backup power to a broad range of critical systems and equipment, including emergency lighting systems, video surveillance, and fire alarm systems.
SLA batteries have been around for over 160 years and offer various advantages like as durability, cost-effectiveness, and lifespan. For many years, their wide range of availability, low maintenance needs, and safety features have made them a popular choice for a power solution.
Because of its sealed lead design, which prevents acid and gases from seeping out, SLA batteries are maintenance-free. This removes the need to periodically supply electrolytes or water, reducing installation and maintenance time. However, while SLA batteries are largely maintenance-free, frequent monitoring of their status is still advised.
Because of its lower energy density, SLA batteries are often larger and heavier than conventional batteries. When installing in locations with limited space, keep their dimensions in mind.
SLA batteries are reputed to be leak-proof, but they also have an emergency pressure release mechanism. A tiny pressure release valve is actuated when gas buildup develops as a result of significant overcharging and reaches critical levels within the battery. This safety vent controls and releases gas pressure, protecting the battery from harm. Every SLA battery includes a tiny pressure release valve.
SLA batteries are extremely versatile, making them appropriate for a broad range of projects, from small-scale home installations to major commercial undertakings. When choosing a SLA battery, it is critical to evaluate the various types of batteries and their uses. There are three primary varieties, each with unique characteristics.
General purpose SLA batteries because of their dependability, SLA batteries are widely employed in a wide range of applications. They are widely used in emergency lighting systems, such as exit signs and emergency lights. They're also used as a UPS battery backup for small enterprises, household sump pumps, and security systems including surveillance cameras, fire alarm control panels, and access control systems. When the main power supply in such locations is disrupted, the SLA battery takes over, allowing users to obtain access to guarded regions.
Generally purpose SLA batteries are inexpensive, easily rechargeable, have a wide temperature range, and can be kept for long periods of time, making them suitable for both home and commercial uses.
Deep cycle SLA batteries are intended to offer steady power for a longer amount of time than standard purpose SLA batteries. The name "Deep Cycle" refers to their ability to tolerate deep discharges of 80 to 100%. The Depth of Discharge (DoD) of a battery may tell you how much of its capacity is being used. Their design is often smaller than standard SLA batteries, with thicker lead plates to create more power in the battery. This aids in the handling of deep discharges over time, allowing equipment to run continuously throughout the day.
Deep cycle SLA batteries are suited for applications requiring long-term power output. Deep cycle SLA batteries are ideal for remote monitoring systems in difficult-to-access places. They also provide continuous support to UPS systems, delivering continuous power for equipment such as computers, servers, and communication systems.
High-rate UPS batteries, which are designed with thinner cell plates than deep cycle batteries, generate large bursts of power for short periods of time, making them appropriate as emergency starting batteries. High-rate UPS batteries provide a speedy response in cases where there is a sudden power outage, reducing data loss and production downtime or safety issues. These batteries offer backup power for applications such as fire alarm systems, security cameras, data centre UPS systems, medical emergency equipment, data communication and networking devices such as network switches and routers.
By eliminating costly equipment damage and business inconvenience, this battery type may help your customers save time and money. High-rate UPS batteries may also last up to 10 years, which is longer than the lifespan of ordinary SLA batteries.
SLA batteries may endure for years if properly maintained. However, there are several charging faults that users can do that might cause the battery to fail. As an installer, it is critical to use proper charging techniques to ensure the battery's longevity. Here are a few pointers to remember:
- Keep the battery fully charged at all times to avoid complete depletion over time.
- Avoid keeping the battery completely depleted for an extended length of time, since this can cause capacity loss or damage in some SLA batteries. This regulation, however, does not apply to deep cycle SLA batteries, which are built to sustain several deep cycles.
- Avoid overcharging the battery, which can cause overheating and decrease or ruin its life.
- When charging your SLA battery, always match the voltage and current of the battery charger to the voltage of the battery you are charging to avoid battery failure.
The lifespan of most SLA batteries is three to five years (300-500 cycles), however this might vary based on factors such as charging techniques, environment, applications, and battery quality. It is critical to understand when to replace a SLA battery for your clients in order to avoid equipment service delays. Here are some frequent warning indicators to look out for:
- Inability to keep a charge for a lengthy amount of time
- A sudden reduction in voltage levels
- Physical damage, such as bloating or swelling, indicating overcharging and necessitating quick replacement
When a SLA battery reaches the end of its useful life, it is classified as hazardous waste. So, what is the proper way to dispose of it? Because SLA batteries contain lead, recycling them in accordance with local standards and legislation is the greatest way to lessen their environmental effect.
Overall, SLA batteries provide dependable backup power for a wide range of applications, owing to their adaptability, high performance, durability, and lifespan. You may effectively use SLA batteries in your projects and assure uninterrupted service for your consumers by understanding their kinds, construction, and maintenance techniques.