SLA Batteries: The Trusty Powerhouse Hiding in Your Devices

Power - by Joe Weber - updated on 4/1/2024

Have you ever wondered what keeps your security system protecting your home, backup lights shining during a blackout, or the floor scrubber scrubbing the school floors? The secret weapon might be a hidden hero: the SLA battery!

What is an SLA battery?

SLA stands for Sealed Lead Acid, a type of rechargeable battery powering many of our everyday devices. Unlike some lead-acid batteries, SLA batteries are completely sealed making them completely leak-proof. This makes them perfect for powering everything from alarm systems to your kid's favorite riding toy.

An SLA battery is like a small power plant packed into a tough plastic shell, made of polypropylene resin. Inside this shell are the key players that make your battery the lifeblood of your equipment:

• Negative plates: One team in a tug-of-war match, covered in a lead material.
• Positive plates: These are the other team, containing lead oxide.
• Separators: To keep the two teams from fighting (causing a short circuit!), special mats made of non-conducting material keep them apart.
• Electrolyte: The electrolyte is a special solution, either liquid, gel or absorbed into fiberglass mats, made with sulfuric acid. It acts like a sports drink for the plates, helping them react with each other and create electricity.
• Valve: This acts like a safety release valve, venting extra pressure to keep the battery working safely.

Here's Why SLA Batteries Rule the Battery World

• No Leaks, No Worries: SLA batteries are completely sealed, so you can say goodbye to worries about electrolyte spills and corrosion.
• Maintenance Made Easy: Forget checking fluids or topping them off! SLA batteries are virtually maintenance-free, saving you time and hassle.
• Built to Last: Tough enough for anything, SLA batteries can handle bumps and vibrations, making them ideal for power wheelchairs, generators, floor scrubbers, floor sweepers and even off-grid backup power systems.
• Built for Second Chances: Even if your device completely drains the SLA battery, it can often recover, unlike some other battery types.

Where Can You Find These Superhero Batteries?

SLA batteries are everywhere. You might be surprised to find out that you have one that you didn't even know about. For example, when I moved into my current home I found a small one behind a panel in the closet. It's for the security system.

Here are some other devices that use sealed lead acid batteries:

• Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS): These systems rely on SLA batteries to provide backup power during outages. If you work in an office, you are probably familiar with them. UPS units often look similar to big surge protectors, keeping your computer and other critical devices running smoothly for a brief time to save what you are working on and safely shut down your computer.
• Security and Alarm Systems: Even when the power cuts out, security and alarm systems must function. SLA batteries ensure your home or business remains protected by powering these systems during outages.
• Emergency Lighting: Exit signs and backup lighting systems often utilize SLA batteries. This guarantees proper illumination in emergencies, guiding people to safety during emergencies and power outages.
• Off-Grid Solar Systems: In these systems, SLA batteries store the energy collected from solar panels during the day for use at night or during longer low sunlight periods. This ensures you have power whenever you need it.
• Medical Equipment: SLA batteries are used in a variety of medical devices, from diagnostic equipment to defibrillators. These batteries keep these devices running so patients and medical personnel always have what they need.
• Commercial Cleaning Equipment: Many businesses rely on SLA batteries for reliable power for their floor scrubbers, pressure washers and other equipment. Their durability and vibration resistance make them ideal for these applications.
• Power Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters: Mobility matters. When you have a disability that hinders your mobility, a scooter or wheelchair isn't just a want, it's a need. SLA batteries give your scooter or wheelchair life, allowing you to get around with ease so you can spend more time doing what you love.
• Backup and Commercial Generators: You have things to do, you can't be without power. Whether it's for your home or business SLA batteries have the power to start your generator with ease so you can keep going about your day.
• Children's Riding Toys: Every afternoon I see the neighbor boy out driving down the sidewalk in his Tonka Dump Truck and think, "he would be pretty upset if his truck didn't work". Honestly, me too kid, me too. All of those children's riding toys operate with a small 6V or 12V SLA battery.

This is just a sampling of the items that use sealed lead acid batteries. They are everywhere, even if you think you don't have one, chances are, you might.

What Types of Sealed Lead Acid Batteries Are There?

SLA batteries come in a surprising variety, offering options for almost any power need! Just like superheroes have different strengths, SLA batteries come in four main types:

General Purpose

General Purpose SLA batteries are the workhorses of the bunch. Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) SLA batteries offer the most versatility, making them perfect for a wide range of household applications. General Purpose SLA batteries strike the perfect balance between power delivery and lifespan, making them the go-to choice for everyday needs.

Best used for: Fire and security systems, UPS battery backups, sump pumps and emergency lighting.

Deep Cycle

Deep Cycle SLA batteries are the ultimate power source for applications demanding long-term power. They excel at delivering a steady flow of electricity for extended periods, making them the perfect partner for equipment that needs to keep going. Think of Deep Cycle SLA batteries as the marathon runners of the battery world – built for endurance and keeping the power flowing.

Best used for: Floor scrubbers, trolling motors, Marine & RV house power, solar applications and motorized vehicles like wheelchairs, scooters and golf carts.

High Rate

High Rate SLA batteries are the ultra-fast heroes. Sometimes referred to as high-rate discharge batteries, they are packed with more, extra-thin plates. They deliver a powerful punch in a short amount of time. High Rate SLA batteries should not be used in deep-discharge applications.

Best used for: Data centers, server banks, emergency medical equipment, telecom applications and UPS/battery backups.

GEL

Gel SLA batteries are built for long-term power and resilience. Their secret weapon? A special gelled electrolyte that allows for more recharge cycles compared to other SLAs. GEL SLA batteries are perfect for heavy, everyday use.

Best used for: Heavy use wheelchairs, wind, solar and communications applications.

How to Maintain SLA Batteries

Want your SLA battery to last? One of the best things you can do is ensure that they are charged properly.

• Pick your power: SLA batteries come in different voltages, so it's important to choose a charger that matches the voltage of your battery.
• Charge one or many: Some chargers offer the flexibility to handle multiple batteries, but make sure the charger can handle the number and specific voltage of the batteries you'll be using.
• Chemistry matters: To avoid any mishaps, make sure the charger you choose is compatible with the type of battery you have (like SLA, Lithium-ion, etc.). Many chargers offer settings for different battery chemistries
• Overcharging can be a battery killer: To avoid this, some chargers come with a float setting. This clever feature automatically cuts off the power once the battery reaches its ideal level, keeping your battery healthy and at the ideal charge level at all times.

If you want to dive deeper into the best practices of SLA charging to make sure your batteries last as long as they can, read through our helpful blog "SLA Battery Charging Best Practices".

Are There Sealed Lead Acid Alternatives?

You bet there are! X2Power Lithium Deep-Cycle batteries are here to steal the show. These powerful batteries offer a game-changing alternative with several key advantages:

• Lightweight Champion: Ditch the dead weight! Lithium batteries are a featherweight compared to their lead-acid counterparts, making them ideal for portable medical equipment.
• Speedy Charger: Time is of the essence in medical situations. Lithium batteries charge significantly faster than SLAs, ensuring minimal downtime.
• Long-lasting Powerhouse: Lithium batteries boast a much longer lifespan than SLAs, offering a more economical choice in the long run.

Business or Personal, Batteries Plus Has You Covered

Whether you maintain a fleet of medical carts or floor scrubbers, or you just have a home security system to look after, Batteries Plus has the SLA battery solutions for you.

Learn more about opening a free business account   to see why Batteries Plus is the only battery and lighting solution your business needs.

Why Open a Batteries Plus Business Account?

On top of receiving special business-only pricing, there are many benefits to contacting us about a business account including:

1. Have a dedicated account representative
2. Receive a free on-site needs assessment
3. Get fast, local delivery from locally owned and operated Batteries Plus stores
4. Tailored products and services to your business's needs
5. Receive competitive volume pricing when ordering larger quantities
6. Recycling services
7. And so much more!

Visit your local Batteries Plus store or Contact us   today to get started!