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SLA Battery
Buying Guide

What is an SLA Battery

Seal Lead Acid, or SLA, is a type of rechargeable battery powering many everyday devices in homes and businesses. Unlike some lead-acid batteries, SLA batteries are completely sealed, making them leak-proof. This makes them perfect for powering fire & security alarms and UPS backup systems, sumps and even your kid's favorite riding toy.

SLA Battery Types

installing an SLA battery into an emergency light

General Purpose SLA batteries are the workhorses. Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) SLA batteries offer great versatility, making them perfect for a wide range of household and commercial applications. General Purpose SLA batteries are the perfect balance between power delivery and lifespan, making them a great choice for many everyday applications.

Popular Applications

Fire & Security
UPS Battery Backups
Sump Pumps
Emergency Lighting

Top SLA Battery Brands

Batteries Plus carries a large selection of SLA batteries from brands you know and trust.

Duracell Ultra

A brand you can count on,
Duracell Ultra SLA batteries are held to the highest standards in materials and construction.
Shop Duracell Ultra

Power Sonic Trusted Battery Solutions

A trusted name for over 50 years,
supplying a wide range of battery products from SLA to Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4).
Shop Power Sonic

X2Power

When you demand the best;
combining high performance with long life. This is the solution you need.
Shop X2Power

Contender

Exclusively for business accounts.
Everyday low price SLA. Created with Fire & Security in mind.

Shop All SLA Batteries

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Maintaining SLA Batteries

Duracell Ultra SLA battery charger

Use The Correct Charger

One of the most important things you can do to get the most out of your SLA battery is to have good charging habits. Using the appropriate charger for your specific battery chemistry is paramount.

  • Gel Batteries - use charger designed for GEL
  • AGM Batteries - use charger designed for AGM
  • Lithium Batteries - use charger designed for Lithium

Here at Batteries Plus we also carry X2Power automatic universal chargers that you can use for any of the above battery chemistries.

SLA battery with corrosion

Keep SLA Batteries Clean

Dirt and corrosion can interfere with the connection between the battery and the connectors that connect the battery to the application.

If you notice corrosion forming on the battery terminal, use a mixture of 1 Tablespoon baking soda and 1 Cup water along with a wire brush to scrub the terminals (and connectors) clean.

You can also use battery terminal cleaner available at your local Batteries Plus.

After scrubbing the terminals clean, spray them with terminal protection spray to help prevent any new corrosion from forming.

Charging SLA Battery Tips

Number 1

Never overcharge batteries. Speeding up the charge by increasing the voltage will generate too much heat and quickly destroy your battery.

Number 2

Disconnect the charge as soon as the battery is full. (If you are using an automatic charger, the charger will shut off automatically when the battery is full.)

Number 3

Charge batteries after every use.

Number 4

Avoid undercharging batteries. Undercharging batteries will result in short battery life creating sulfation inside the battery.

From the Blog

3 different sized sla batteries

SLA Batteries: The Trusty Powerhouse Hiding in Your Devices

At home or at the office, you probably have an SLA battery powering something important. Keep reading to learn about these incredibly common batteries, what they are used for and how Batteries Plus can help you or your business with your SLA needs.

Continue Reading  

UPS with battery and connectivity status

What Are the Most Popular Applications for SLA Batteries?

Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries are everywhere. Learn more about what these popular batteries are used for and how to pick the right one for your device. Get a sneak peek into the new lithium alternatives available from X2Power.

Continue Reading  

little boy in a toy riding car with father kneeling beside it

SLA Battery Charging Best Practices

If you are concerned that your batteries aren't lasting as long as they should, your charging habits could be a large part of the problem. Read and print out our SLA charging best practices to ensure you are helping extend the life of the battery.

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Duracell Ultra SLA battery collage

How Does an SLA Battery Work?

Have you wondered how a battery works? Get the full story on SLA batteries, including how they react chemically to produce power. Learn how to recharge SLA batteries, plus get a preview of the many types of SLA batteries available at Batteries Plus.

Continue Reading  

SLA panel

Batteries Plus Has the Best SLA Solutions for Your Industrial Needs

As you begin your summer maintenance, be sure to check your SLA batteries to make sure they’re ready for another year. Plus, learn how Batteries Plus can help you save money by recommending the best SLA option for each and every job.

Continue Reading  

SLA batteries on a shelf

Which Type of SLA Battery Does Your Business Need?

Is your business using the right SLA battery? Find out more about the four types of SLA batteries and how they differ in terms of chemistry, performance and cost. Plus, get a list of the applications each type is best suited for.

Continue Reading  

FAQs

You're in luck! Your nearby Batteries Plus will work with you to recycle all your batteries, including SLA batteries.

In general, an SLA battery can last between 50-300 cycles. To extend the life of your battery, never store the battery in a discharged or partially charged state. Be sure to recharge it before storage.

Generally speaking, an SLA battery can last 6 months to 1 year on a shelf at 77℉ (25℃). All batteries naturally discharge over time, even when they aren't being used. SLA batteries will self-discharge at a rate of around 3% a month.

We recommend checking and charging SLA batteries every three months to keep them at a healthy level.

Remove the swollen battery from the equipment right away. Swelling is caused by overcharging; if left unchecked, it can cause permanent damage to the battery or your equipment. Replace it immediately at your local Batteries Plus and have us dispose of the old one for you.

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