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12 volt batteries

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12v batteries

The most common usage of 12v batteries is in cars, although they are also used in boats and other vehicles.

As a type of rechargeable battery, 12v batteries are easy to store when they are not in use for extended periods. However, if you are storing an automotive battery you should ensure that it is fully charged and periodically recharge it even when it isn't being used.

This will allow it to retain full capacity for longer.

If you want your 12 volt battery to work effectively, you should also remember to:

• Apply a topping charge every six months. This can improve the performance of the battery.
• Keep the battery charged to avoid sulfation. This can occur if the battery is not fully charged.
• Use 80 per cent depth of discharge. A full cycle can cause wear to the battery.

You should also avoid reverse charging 12v batteries. This can potentially damage the battery and could be dangerous.

Using 12v batteries

It is crucial that you follow certain safety guidelines when handling any 12v batteries. This is even more important if you are working with a marine battery rather than a traditional car battery.

The precautions you have to take account of include:

• Wearing the right safety equipment. This should be made up of goggles, overalls and gloves.
• Ensuring there are no sparks or smoking near the battery.
• Ensuring that the battery casing isn't damaged before use.
• Ensuring the battery has completely cooled before handling it.

Many cars use lead acid batteries, which have potentially harmful substances inside them. This is why you should make sure you follow all safety precautions when working on a 12v battery.

How 12v batteries work

While 12v batteries are significantly larger than other types of cells, they work in much the same way as motorcycle batteries and conventional consumer batteries, such as:

• AA batteries.
• AAA batteries.
• Watch batteries.
• D batteries.
• 9 volt batteries.
• 6v batteries.

A chemical reaction occurs in all these batteries, producing electricity. The voltage depends on the energy released by the cells that make up the batteries.

There are six cells in 12v batteries, each one producing 2.1 volts of electricity. This relatively high voltage is another reason why 12v batteries have to be handled safely, and ideally by a trained professional.