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Lead-acid 6V batteries are secondary rechargeable cells. In fact, lead-acid batteries were the first rechargeable batteries ever invented. They consist of 4 x 1.5-volt D-size batteries connected in series.
They are rectangular, with chemistry designed for heavy-duty applications.
You can use them to power other devices that require high capacity and heavy-duty batteries, such as camping lanterns, medical equipment, golf carts, electric-powered vehicles and backup power supply for UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply).
The batteries come in spring-top or screw-top terminals. The spring-top terminal type is for regular everyday use in smaller machines such as lanterns.
While the screw-top terminal battery is used where extra firm connections are required between the battery terminals and the wires like in electric cars.
Some of the more common brands include Fusion, Stryka, Mallory, Panasonic, Powersonic and MI Battery experts. These brands offer a wide range of battery sizes to select for different devices.
Now, let’s explore these 6 Volt batteries a little deeper.
How Does the 6 Volt Lead Acid Battery Work?
So, here’s the science behind how lead-acid 6V works. It generates electricity through a double sulphate chemical reaction.
The two battery plates are made of lead and lead dioxide. The plates react with the electrolyte (which consists of water and sulphuric acid) to form lead sulphate.
When the sulphuric acid in the battery gets dissolved, the molecules are dispersed as negative sulphate ions (SO42-) and positive hydrogen ions (H+)
During the discharge reaction, the electrodes are dipped into the solution to create a DC supply. The negative ions move in the direction of the positive terminal, while the positive ions move towards the negative edge of the battery.
This means hydrogen ions move towards the anode (lead) to form an atom. The atom comes within reach of the lead oxide to form lead sulphate. The sulphate ions now move towards the cathode (lead oxide) and react to form lead sulphate.
During recharge, the anode and cathode are connected to the negative and positive edges of the DC supply. The hydrogen ions move in the direction of the cathode, and a chemical reaction occurs, which splits the lead sulphate.
When the lead sulphate splits, the initial reactants lead and sulphuric acid is formed so the discharge reaction can start all over.
Common Uses of 6V Lead Acid Batteries
- Lighting systems for construction projects because of their long life cycle and ability to supply increased power for longer periods of use.
- Electric-powered vehicles, like golf carts, because they’re designed to sustain long-lasting energy, with a higher amp capacity and lower discharge rate.
- RVs and trailer homes.
- Backup power supply for UPS because the batteries can store more potential energy for future use in a longer time frame.
- Camping light sources that need a high energy capacity-
Technical Features of the 6V Battery
| Classification | Lead-acid |
| Chemistry | Lead sulphate |
| Nominal voltage | 6V |
| Capacity | 4–6 Ah |
| Rechargeable | Yes |
| Specifications | Deep Cycle Flooded Sealed |
| Power to weight ratio | 30–50Wh/kg |
| Discharge rate |
Up to 80% |
Comparison Between Flooded and Sealed Lead Acid Batteries
Lead-acid 6V cells come in two main varieties. The maintenance batteries are known as the flooded batteries, while the maintenance-free options are sealed batteries.
| Flooded | Sealed |
| Have removable caps on cell tops to allow for a top-up of distilled water | Sealed and maintenance-free |
| More expensive | Less expensive |
| Store less energy | Store 10-15% more energy |
| Not as quick-charging | Charge up to 4 times faster |
| Can become damaged from forceful movement | Are stronger |
| Can have a reduced lifespan in extreme climates, where the water inside them can evaporate or freeze | Only contain enough liquid to allow electrolytes to flow and can withstand varying climates better |
| Longer lasting | Not as long-lasting |
Lead Acid 6V Battery Life
The lifespan of your battery will depend on the brand, your usage, care and maintenance. As a rule of thumb, they tend to last up to 7 years in use.
Their optimal functioning temperature is 25 degrees Celsius. If you use it at a higher temperature, it won’t last as long.
In general, for every 8 degree Celsius increase in temperature, your battery’s lifespan will be reduced in half. So, for example, if you use your battery at a temperature of 33 degrees celsius regularly, its lifespan will reduce from about 7 years to 3 ½ years.
Also, allowing your battery to discharge below 45% will shorten the lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Lead Acid 6V Battery
How Do You Charge a Lead Acid 6 Volt Battery?
If you use a standard charge setting, you can expect the battery to reach full charge in about 3 to 4 hours. When you use a boost or fast charger, it shouldn’t take more than an hour. You can also charge it on trickle charge, which will take about 6–12 hours.
Remember to use a charger specifically labelled lead-acid charger. Also, avoid over or undercharging the battery as either way could destroy it very quickly.
How Many 6V Lead Acid Batteries Do I Need?
The number of batteries you need will depend on what you want to power. For instance:
- For a flashlight and other smaller devices, a single battery will do.
- If you want to power a 12 volt RV system, you’ll need two batteries connected in series to get the correct voltage.
- To power a golf cart, you require 48 volts. This equates to 8 batteries.
- For the engine of your child’s electric car to get moving, just one or two will do the job.
How Do I Connect Two 6 Volt Batteries in Series?
You connect the positive terminal of one battery to the negative terminal of the other and then connect the remaining terminals to the device.
Get Your Lead Acid 6 Volt Batteries
For all your 6V lead-acid battery supplies, go to HB Battery Specialists. As a show of confidence in the brands we have in stock, they all come with a warranty.
Plus, we have a longstanding history of exceptional service delivery to ensure your devices are powered up by the best in 2021 and beyond.
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