Q-Beam Rechargeable Battery

[Nitro]

I have a Q-Beam Rechargeable Battery (12V 12AH) that doesn't seam to charge fully anymore. Voltage reads ~12V, but it says on the battery the volts should be 13.7-13.9. Has this battery degraded? How long do these batteries last? Are there better ones out there?

Thanks

 

[jayflash]

Unless you have a charging problem, it's probably just worn out. SLA's average 3-5 years of use, but that's only an average. It depends on how the battery was used, ie. deep discharge, sitting around undercharged, overcharging or many charge cycles will all shorten its life.

I too am curious what is recommended as most reliable for replacement.

 

[snakebite]

hook up the charger overnight and read the voltage in the morning with the charger still attached.should be 13.8-14.5v
without the charger and the surface charge ran off(run the light a few minutes and let it rest awhile)you should have 12.6-13.0v.

 

[Nitro]

When I charge it overnight with the supplied charger, the LED never blinks (says it will when fully charged) Should I ignore LED?

 

[snakebite]

hard to say.
voltage measurements will tell whats wrong.

 

[Nitro]

So you say 12.6v-13.0v is normal for this battery?

 

[RussH]

A new, fully charged gell cell should be 12.9-13v. As they get older they get where they won't stay above about 12.6v. The charger might push it up to 14.5v or higher, temporarily. It should drop down to a resting voltage of 12.6-13.0v after a few hours. They are prone to sulfate if not charged promptly after use or monthly. They will use up water which can't be replaced if they are overcharged. And if everything goes well the acid will eat the plates up after about 8 years. Mouser has these listed for about $35 depending on which brand you buy. You might consider the more common 17ah at $45. I get mine from my alarm installer guy at his cost, which is close to Mousers except no shipping. Shipping is kind of high, but, other than electrical supply houses, there seems to be a high markup on these. You can buy a 'jump start' device from harbor freight cheaper than you can get the battery that is in it. IIRC, the 600amp is a 12ah and the 900 is a 17ah size.

 

[RussH]

That 13.7-13.9v on the battery is the recommended float (full time charging) voltage, like you might have in an emergency light or exit sign or similar applications. This is standard for SLA batteries.
The battery itself is very much like the wet cell lead acid starting battery in your car except for the gelled electrolyte, and charges to the same 12.8v level. Its a bit small for charging on an 100 amp alternator, but I often do that with mine. I just make sure that the starting battery is charged and the alternator drops back to float voltage, which is 13.8v on my alternator. Note that different automobiles may have voltage regulators set for higher voltages (14.4v seems most common).