Battery watering is a process that helps extend the life of lead-acid batteries and maintain their maximum performance. In this blog post, we discuss the process of battery watering in detail. Moreover, we’ve examined its technology and found some interesting facts about what goes into doing this process properly. If you’re looking for a quick read with an unpredictable ending, you’re in for a treat!
Why Battery Watering is Used
The primary reason for battery watering is to maintain the electrolyte levels inside the battery, which prevents the levels from dropping too low. When the levels fall too low, the plates on which the lead-acid battery is based lose contact. It causes a drop in performance and can cause premature failure of the battery.
Battery watering also helps remove gases (byproducts of chemical reactions) from inside the cells while preventing their build-up. If not removed regularly, these gases may also damage internal components and lead to failure.
The process of battery watering is more than just filling the battery with water. Though this is a necessary step, it’s not the only thing that happens. The process involves a lot more than just filling the battery with water. So let’s find out what makes up a battery watering process and some surprising facts!
1) Lead-Acid Batteries Can Recharge Themselves
Lead-acid batteries have a few charging cycles before they completely discharge. Moreover, they are very good for backup systems, which often serve as battery waterers. You can also use these chargers to recharge lead-acid battery sets that have a low charge level or are damaged.
2) Battery Watering Doesn’t Release Lead into the Environment
The technology used in battery watering is not dangerous and doesn’t release harmful lead into the environment. The electrolyte used in batteries is made of potassium hydroxide, which tends to dissolve easily in water. So when you water the battery, it’s already a part of the electrolyte solution.
3) Battery Charging Can Have an Impact on Battery Watering
If there’s any problem with your battery charger during the charging process, it can impact battery watering. If the charging process stops at any point or is reversed, then you might not be able to fill the battery with fresh water. It causes gases to build up inside and damage the internal components of the cells.
4) Overcharging isn’t the Same as Battery Watering
When the electrolyte levels inside your battery are too high, you should water it. But one of the most common mistakes people make is they mistake overcharging for watering their battery. Overcharging is when the battery is charged for too long or with too high a voltage. It can cause damage to internal components and cause the lead-acid batteries to deteriorate faster, which is something you should avoid.
5) Battery Watering Curious History
Joseph Leclanche invented the idea of battery watering in 1860. He experimented with lead-acid batteries and discovered that they also required water. This method is used by battery companies even today with slight differences.
6) Battery Watering Can Be Done Without Replacing the Old Batteries
You will be able to water old batteries without having to replace them. It lets you see if the batteries are in good condition and can still be used. You can water an old battery with distilled water and then charge it at a low voltage. If there are no charging problems, it may be possible to move on to battery watering.
