batteries - Add old lead acids to parallel or replace them

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I concur with the information shared in this forum regarding your query:

As noted by westbranch:

Combining batteries of varying ages is not advisable due to their interaction.

He also recommends the use of a marine battery switch. This mechanism allows you to keep the older battery charged and on standby while utilizing the new battery to meet your initial power demands. Whenever necessary, a simple switch can shift the load to the older battery.

In addition, Cariboocoot mentioned several potential issues that may arise:

CH Tech offers an array of products and essential information, so be sure to explore it.

The dilemma here is that a "perfectly good battery" does not equate to one that has 100% of its original capacity. With age, a battery naturally experiences a decline in capacity. This degradation is influenced by the depth of discharge, the number of cycles it endures, and the time elapsed since its last use. Unfortunately, there exists no practical method to gauge the extent of this capacity reduction.

Combining old and new batteries has the same detrimental effects as pairing batteries of different capacities: the charge will be inadequate for one battery while excessive for another, or likely both. If the difference in capacity is significant, the risk of damaging the older battery (which could lead to sudden failure) increases, potentially shortening the lifespan of the new one.

Additionally, a critical consideration is whether you possess sufficient charge capabilities to accommodate the increased battery capacity. Even if your system was initially designed for a single 160 Amp hour 12 Volt battery, it may not handle two (effectively providing 320 Amp hours).

As you contemplate acquiring a new battery to enhance capacity, which will inherently necessitate an upgrade in charge capabilities, it's prudent to reassess your options. You might find it more beneficial to invest in a single new battery with enhanced capacity (or two 6 Volt units) rather than merely adding another unit of the same specifications to your current setup.

Re: 12v Sealed Lead Acid Battery, Recharge or Replace

Gel cell batteries typically last only about five years when on float charge. Keeping them charged maintains the acid's potency, while their common failure mode involves the plates dissolving (particularly the positive plate) in the acid. Their lifespan does not extend significantly under cyclic charging because they often remain partially charged, which leads to sulfation. Another prevalent mode of failure results from water loss due to overcharging, which can occur even on float charge.

Your alarm system is expected to have a backup battery, and certain fire codes necessitate this. It's not unusual to experience power loss during a fire, especially since the electrical system is often the source. Many alarm systems emit signals when the backup battery is absent; for instance, mine features an LED that indicates whether the power has been lost, is running on backup, or if the battery is drained (but not necessarily dead). Clearly, your alarm won't function during a power outage without a battery, which includes situations where a burglar disconnects your electricity (as unfortunate as that may be!).

Home Depot generally stocks these batteries, alongside numerous electronics retailers, including Radio Shack, as well as electrical distributors that supply alarm installers.

For further information on Lead Acid Replacement Battery (el, hu, it), please reach out to us. We are here to provide professional assistance.