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12 volt batteries

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12 volt batteries

Used primarily in cars, 12 volt batteries are rechargeable and are designed to be easily stored when they are not in use.

There are several points to remember if you want 12 volt batteries to work effectively. These are:

• Keep the battery charged, as sulfation can occur when car batteries are not fully charged.
• Apply a topping charge every six months. This may improve performance.
• Use 80 per cent depth of discharge, as a full cycle can cause wear.
• Ensure the battery is fully charged when storing it. Batteries should also be periodically charged when in storage to retain the capacity.

As with all rechargeable batteries, it is important that car batteries are aligned properly when charging. Failure to do this can damage the battery, which could be dangerous.

How batteries work

Although 12 volt batteries are much larger, they work in much the same way as other batteries, such as:

• AA batteries.
• AAA batteries.
• 9 volt batteries.
• Button batteries.
• D batteries.

All batteries convert chemical energy to electricity. They are made up of a number of cells, which are connected by a conductive electrolyte. The chemicals inside each cell react to produce electricity, with the voltage depending on the energy released.

The 12 volt batteries used in cars contain six cells, each of which produces 2.1 volts of electricity.

Lead acid batteries are one of the most common types of car batteries. These are made of alternating plates of lead and lead oxide, which are submerged in a solution of water and sulphuric acid.

Like all batteries, automotive batteries should be handled carefully to avoid damaging the battery, which can be potentially dangerous.

Using car batteries safely

When handling a 12 volt battery, it is important to follow certain safety precautions. These include:

• Wearing the correct safety equipment, such as goggles, overalls and gloves.
• Ensure there are no sparks or smoking near the battery.
• Make sure that the battery has cooled before handling it.

These safety hints should also be kept in mind when using smaller motorcycle batteries. On the whole, car batteries should be maintained by properly qualified professionals.