What is a Deep Cycle Battery?

A deep cycle battery is a valve regulated sealed lead acid battery, which is designed to be deeply discharged to use the majority of its capacity. Sometimes, a deep cycle battery referred to as a “deep-cell battery” or a “deep discharge battery”. However, the proper term is “deep cycle battery”. Standard AGM batteries are normally not recommended to be discharged further than 50%-70%, depending on the application. The advantage of a deep cycle battery is that it can be discharged for up to 90% without significantly effecting the life and performance of the battery. As a result, deep cycle batteries are an ideal solution for applications requiring a long power life. For example, they are the perfect battery choice for golf carts, wheelchairs, lawn mower, medical equipment and electric tools.

Deep Cycle Battery Characteristics

As mentioned at the start of this article, a deep cycle battery is valve regulated and sealed, but what does that really mean? These are physical characteristics that give deep cycle batteries an advantage over the traditional flooded batteries, which require regularly maintenance. The term “Valve regulated” refers to a technology, which uses a vent located on top of the battery, and is responsible for regulating gas levels inside the battery. Whenever there is excess gas, the vent opens automatically and regulates gas levels. This is a safety feature that prevents the battery from exploding in cases such as over-charging. It is important to note that because a deep cycle battery, or in fact, lead acid batteries in general, release gasses from time to time, it is important to keep sparks away in order to avoid fire. It is also important to make sure that you install batteries in a ventilated environment to prevent the accumulation of gas, but instead allow it to be released in the air.

Other Battery Features

The other characteristic of deep cycle batteries is that they are sealed. Traditional flooded batteries have removable caps, which are used for battery maintenance. Lead acid deep cycle batteries on the other hand, are sealed and maintenance free. This is also a safety feature as it allows the battery to be spill proof, which means the battery will never leak when used under normal conditions.

Canbat Deep Cycle Batteries

Canbat currently offers deep cycle batteries in 6V and 12V, and they are referred to as CDC batteries. Depending on your application, you will need to select the appropriate deep cycle battery, which has both the correct voltage and the appropriate ampere capacity.