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There are many misunderstandings regarding marine/RV-deep cycle batteries. This information is designed to clarify terminology and misconceptions and to assist you, the customer, in
1) making an informed decision regarding proper usage,
2) extending overall battery service life, and
3) maintaining battery performance at optimum levels. |
Deep Cycle Batteries
The term "deep cycle" refers, in general, to a battery which has the capability of deeply discharging hundreds of times. How does it differ from other batteries? An automotive starting battery is manufactured specifically to provide a quick burst of energy thousands of times in its lifetime while only being able to deeply discharge less than 50 cycles during its life.
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Proper Deep Cycle Application
A marine/RV-deep cycle battery can be used for various applications including boats, motor homes, sail boats, travel trailers, tent campers, etc. Anytime an application indicates a need for batteries which can provide repeated deep discharge, you need marine/RV-deep cycle batteries.
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What is a Cycle?
A cycle refers to one battery discharge and recharge of any depth. The amount of battery discharge (in percent) compared to its full capacity determines the need for a shallow, moderate or deep cycle. This is appropriately called battery depth of discharge (DOD) and is measured in percent. For example, 40% DOD indicates a battery has been discharged by 40% of its total capacity and has a 60% state of charge remaining. CLICK HERE FOR GRAPHIC
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Types of Cycles
There are three primary types of battery discharge cycles: shallow, moderate and deep. These terms help us to understand the type of cycling that batteries are required to experience. To clarify, let's take a look at all three types. Shallow cycles occur when only a small percent of the total battery capacity is discharged. Following that same line of thought, moderate or deep cycles are discharged by a higher percent of the total battery's capacity.CLICK HERE FOR GRAPHIC
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What Makes Deep Cycle Batteries Distinctive?
Several qualities separate deep cycle batteries from starting types: thicker plates, denser active chemical plate material and a specially formulated grid alloy. These and other added features allow the Interstate marine/RV-deep cycle batteries to withstand the severe, repeated stress that deep cycling creates. Two of the newest features are the Na2SO4 additive to the electrolyte and the Negative Plate Expander. CLICK HERE FOR GRAPHIC |
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