TECHNICAL BULLETIN

41-7745

Lead Acid Battery

Terminology Glossary

Please Note: The information in this technical bulletin was developed for C&D Dynasty 12 Volt VRLA products.
While much of the information herein is general, larger 2 Volt VRLA products are not within the intended scope.

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Absorbed Electrolyte

Absorbent Glass
Mat

The electrolyte in a battery is absorbed in an Absorbent

Glass Mat between the plates to ensure that there is no
free liquid electrolyte to spill or leak from the cell. The
battery using this technology is typically referred to as an
AGM battery.
AGM

A blotter-type separator used between the plates in

an AGM battery. The absorbent glass mat separator
absorbs all the free liquid electrolyte, thus immobilizing the
electrolyte.

Acceptance Test

A capacity test of a new battery at either a constant current

(expressed in amperes) or constant power (expressed in
watts) rate to determine if it meets the user's specification
or manufacturer's ratings.

Accumulator

See Battery.

Active Material

The material in a lead acid battery involved in the

electrochemical reaction to produce a current. Materials
include the lead dioxide (PbO2) of the positive plate,
sulfuric acid (H2SO4) in the electrolyte and sponge lead
(Pb) of the negative plate.

Ampere

A unit of measure of electron current flow through a

conductor. The flow of 6.25 x 1018 electrons per second.
Amperes are measured by an ammeter.

Ampere-Hour

Ah

The product of multiplying the ampere flow by the

time over which it flows. For example, five amperes flowing
for eight hours produce 40 ampere-hours.

Antimony

Sb

A metal alloyed with lead to improve the strength and

castability of the grids. Antimony is normally used only in
lead acid batteries in cycle service, and where make-up
water may be added. It is not normally used in VRLA
batteries due to its relatively high gassing rate.

Autonomy

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The length of time during which a fully charged battery can

supply power to the load with no contribution from primary
or auxilary power source (also known as reserve time).

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Average Voltage

The average of the battery terminal voltage during a

discharge.

Battery

Two or more cells connected in series. The nominal

lead acid voltage is two volts per cell. For example, a 12
volt battery would have six two volt cells connected in
series. See Cell.

Battery Rack

A stand on which individual batteries are installed. Racks

act to support the batteries and maybe seismically rated.

BCI

The acronym for Battery Council International, consisting of

a group of Starting, Lighting and Ignition (SLI) battery
manufacturers who issue standards related to SLI batteries
and establish standard dimensions (group sizes) for
batteries used in automotive applications.

Boost Charge

Charging the battery at a maximum allowable voltage for

a defined period to ensure the battery is fully charged.

Bunsen Valve

A type of pressure relief valve based on a rubber cap or

ring, which, under normal conditions, closes an opening in
a cell and temporarily deflects to provide pressure relief
upon the buildup of excessive cell pressure within the cell.
Bunsen valves are typically used in Valve Regulated Lead
Acid (VRLA) batteries.

Cable, Battery

An insulated group of flexible twisted wires, usually copper,

used to interconnect individual or groups of batteries.
Examples include: inter-unit cable connectors, inter-tier
cable connectors and inter-rack cable connectors.

Cabinet Battery System

An enclosed metal case containing a complete battery

system of individual series connected batteries. It may or
may not include required fuses or circuit breakers for
protection of the connecting cable.

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Calcium

Ca

A metal alloyed with lead to improve the strength and

castability of the lead grid. Normally used for VLA batteries
in float a standby service and for VRLA batteries due to its
minimal impact on the battery gassing rate.

Capacitor

An electrical component capable of storing and

releasing a charge via the action of an electrostatic field
between two parallel metal plates. Typically used in filter
networks, along with inductors or chokes, to smooth the AC
ripple voltage which may appear at the output of a DC
power source.

Capacity

The quantity of electrical energy measured in watt-hours or

ampere-hours produced by a battery during discharge.

Capacity Test

A constant current or constant power load is applied to a

battery under standard temperature conditions to determine
its actual ampere-hour or watt-hour capacity at the particular
discharge rate and end voltage.

Cell

An individual electrochemical device composed of

two electrodes of dissimilar metals (active materials) and
an electrolyte. When the electrodes are immersed in an
electrolyte, the cell will produce a voltage differential
between electrodes. When connected to electrodes, the
cell will produce a current through an external circuit. In the
lead acid battery, the electrodes are lead dioxide (PbO2)
and sponge lead (Pb). The electrolyte is a solution of
sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and water (H2O). The lead acid
battery has a nominal voltage of two volts per cell.

Cell Reversal

When the normal positive (+) to negative (-) polarity

of a cell is reversed due either to incorrect connection of
the charger or the discharge of the lowest capacity cell in a
series-connected group of cells beyond the recommended
end point voltage.

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Charge Efficiency

The ratio of the ampere-hours removed during discharge to

ampere-hours recharge required to restore 100% state of
charge multiplied by 100.

Charge Retention

The capacity retained following specific storage conditions

and a specified period of time. See Self Discharge, Shelf
Life, and Local Action.

Charger

A Direct Current (DC) power supply used to both supply

current to a battery to restore the ampere-hours capacity
removed during discharge and to maintain the battery in
float or standby mode.

Charging

The process of restoring the ampere-hours removed from a

battery during discharge. Approximately 108% to 115% of
the ampere-hours discharged must be restored to attain a
full state of charge.

Choke

A closed path that can conduct an electric current.

Circuit
Circuit Breaker

See Inductor.

CB

An electro-mechanical device, similar to a switch,

which will automatically open a circuit when excessive
current is flowing in the circuit. It is used to protect the
circuit components and wiring from overload damage. A circuit
breaker can also be manually operated like a switch.
A completed circuit through which current can flow when a
switch in the circuit is either "On" or "Closed."

Closed Circuit
Cold
Cranking
Amperes

CCA

The number of amperes a battery can supply at 0F

(-17.8C) for 30 seconds to an end point voltage of 1.2 volts
per cell. This rating is typically used with automotive (SLI)
lead acid batteries.

Conductance

mho

A measure of a material's ability to conduct current.

It is the reciprocal of resistance.

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A material with the capability to carry a current or flow of

electrons. For example, copper wire is a conductor.

Conductor
Constant Current

CC

An electron flow through a conductor (a current) that

does not vary significantly from a pre-set value. During
discharge, a constant current drain can be maintained by
reducing the resistive load as the battery voltage normally
declines. To recharge a battery at a constant current level,
the charging voltage must increase as the battery cell
voltages increase.

Constant Voltage

CV

A voltage that does not vary significantly from a preset

value. When recharging a battery at constant voltage, the
current acceptance will decline as the battery cell voltage
rises. The battery cannot be discharged at a constant
voltage. The battery voltage normally declines during the
discharge.

Constant Power

CP

DC power in watts is equal to the product of voltage

multiplied by current in amperes. A constant power
discharge occurs when the load current is increased during
the discharge by an amount proportional to the normal
decline in battery voltage.
The vessel or recepticle that contains the cell element and
electrolyte. Often refered to as a jar.

Container
Counter
Electromotive
Force

CEMF

The equipment to which the battery supplies power during a

commercial power failure.

Critical Load
Current
Cut-Off Voltage

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The battery voltage plus end voltage drop occurring

due to the battery's internal resistance and current flow in
the battery.

I or i

The flow of electrons or amperes through a

conductor.
See End Voltage.

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Cycle

The discharge of a battery followed by recharging to

full capacity. See Deep Cycle and Shallow Cycle.

Cycle Life

The number of times a battery can be discharged and

re-charged under a specific set of conditions until the
battery capacity declines to a specified minimum value
(usually 80% of the battery's rated capacity).

Cycle Service

An application where the battery is the primary source of

power, such as in portable instruments, wheelchairs, electric
vehicles, forklift trucks and golf carts. The life of batteries in
cycle service is usually defined in terms of the number of deep
cycles to be delivered.

Deep Cycle

A battery discharge consuming more than 80% of the

battery's rated capacity. Deep cycling typically occurs in
motive power and off grid systems.

Depth
of
Discharge

DOD

The product, expressed as a percentage, achieved

by dividing the ampere-hours removed during discharge by
the total rated ampere-hour capacity of the battery.

Diode

A semi-conducting device that restricts the flow of

current to one direction. It is commonly used to convert AC
current to DC current.

Direct Current

DC

An electron flow through a conductor that travels in only one

direction. A battery produces a DC voltage and current.

Discharge

The operational state during which the battery is delivering

current to a load. The rate of discharge is the number of
amperes or watts being delivered.

Dry-Charged

An individually formed plate or a completed lead acid

battery drained of all electrolyte that has undergone a
special drying process. The plate or battery can then be
stored for a period of time with minor degradation due to
sulfation. At a later date, the plate or battery is activated by
the addition of the electrolyte and application of a special
charging regimen.

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Dry-Out

Resulting from significant overcharging, dry-out refers

to the total loss of electrolyte due to gassing.

Dual Rate Charger

A charger with two output voltages used to charge batteries.

One is usually set at the lower recommended float voltage,
while the other is usually set at the higher recommended
equalization voltage.

Duty Cycle

The sequence, magnitude and duration of loads which the

battery supplies.

Efficiency

The ratio of output power of a device to the power applied.

Efficiency = power out/power in

Electric Circuit

A conductive path through which current can flow. A copper

wire can form an electric circuit.

Electricity

The flow of electrons through a conductive medium such as

a copper wire.

Electrode

A device that moves electrons in and out of a cell. In a lead

acid battery, the positive and negative plates.

Electrolyte

Any acidic, basic, or salt solution capable of conducting

current. In a lead acid battery, the electrolyte is a dilute
solution of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) in water (H2O).

Electrolyte Reserve

When a battery has more electrolyte acid available than

that required to fully react the active materials of the plates.
When fully discharged, there will still be sufficient
conductive acid available in the electrolyte to carry
significant recharge current.

Electrolyte Starved

When a battery has insufficient electrolyte acid available to

fully react all the active material of the plates. When fully
discharged, the acid is almost fully consumed from the
electrolyte, and initial recharge current acceptance may be
reduced. This condition is typical of SLI and VRLA batteries.

Electron

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A negatively charged particle that orbits the nucleus of an

atom. When displaced from the orbit, the electron is free to
flow as an electric current.

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The assembled set of positive and negative plates

and separators that comprise a cell when inserted
into a container.

Element

End of Life

EOL

The point in the operational life when a battery can

only deliver 80% or less of rated capacity.

End Voltage

At a specific discharge rate, the voltage under load when

the discharge is considered complete. Also called end of
discharge voltage.

Equalize Charge

The restoration of power in a battery at a maximum

allowable voltage for a defined period of time. This brings all
series-connected cells to a maximum state of charge and
equalizes the charging voltage across the individual cells.
See Charge.

Float Charge

Placing a battery on continuous charge at a recommended

voltage to maintain the battery at a full state of power while
minimizing overcharge.

Float Service

An application where the battery is continuously connected

to a charger and is seldom required to deliver any significant
current to the load. Typically, Float Service batteries are
used for standby power in emergency lighting, cable TV,
telecommunications, UPS systems, switchgear &
control and automotive engine starting.

Float Voltage

The voltage at which the battery is maintained on float

charge. See Float Charge.

Floating Ground

A system in which there is no voltage reference between

the battery terminals and ground.

Flooded Cell
(Vented Lead Acid)

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VLA

A lead acid battery with a liquid electrolyte, or a vented cell

where the gasses produced through overcharging are
vented directly to the atmosphere.

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Formation

The electro-chemical process through which the lead oxide

(PbO) pasted onto the grids in manufacturing is converted
to the active materials of lead dioxide (PbO2) on the positive
plate and porous metallic lead (Pb) on the negative plate.

Freshening Charge

The charging of batteries in storage to assure they are

maintained in a near maximum state of charge and to
ensure there is no deterioration of the battery plates due to
self-discharge and sulfation. This process is usually
performed using the recommended equalization or cycle
service charging voltage.

Fuse

A circuit overload protective device containing a metallic

component that melts when prescribed current limits are
exceeded, thus opening the circuit.

Gassing

The evolution of hydrogen and oxygen, along with other

gasses, from the lead acid battery during periods of
overcharging as a result of electrolysis of the water in the
electrolyte.

Gassing Voltage

The charging voltage at which the cell will start to generate

and expel gas.

Gelled Electrolyte

A liquid electrolyte with fumed silica added as an

immobilization technique. The result is a spill-proof battery
capable of supporting an oxygen recombination cycle.
See Oxygen Recombination Cycle.

Gravity

See Specific Gravity.

Grid

The lead alloy frame to which active materials are pasted.

The grid provides the conductive path for the electron
current during charging and discharging of the battery.
The assembly of the grid and pasted active materials form
the plate of the battery.

Ground

A voltage reference point. In a building, it may be a

conducting path connected directly to earth.

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Ground Fault Detection

The monitoring of voltage from a battery's terminals to

ground in order to identify whether a short circuit to the
ground exists.

Group

An assembly of plates with like polarity, (either positive or

negative) connected in parallel via a strap within a cell.

Half Cell Voltage

The voltage of the positive and negative plates with respect

to a third electrode, such as a mercury-mercuric sulfate
probe, when immersed in the electrolyte.

High Rate Discharge

A discharge at a current greater than that of the one hour

discharge rate. Typically this is the one through 30 minute
rates.

Hydration Short

When a cell is over-discharged and not recharged within

a short period, the plates' lead sulfate, which is more soluble
in water than in acid, can go into solution with the low
specific gravity electrolyte, and then penetrate the
separators. Upon recharging, the lead sulfate in the
separators is converted to lead and a short circuit develops
through the separator.

Hydrogen

H2

A colorless, odorless gas given off at the negative plate of

a lead acid battery due to electrolysis of the water in the
electrolyte during periods of overcharge. Hydrogen can
reach an explosive level at a 4% concentration in air.

Hydrometer

An instrument used to measure the specific gravity of a

liquid electrolyte. See Specific Gravity.

IEEE

The acronym for the Institute of Electrical and Electronic

Engineers, a group who publishes standards and guidelines
including those concerning the selection, sizing, application,
installation and maintenance of lead acid batteries.

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Immobilized Electrolyte

Typically, liquid electrolyte is either absorbed into a

blotter-type separator of glass fibers (AGM) or is converted
to a gel, rendering it immobile. This ensures that there is no
free liquid electrolyte and allows the battery to be used in
any orientation without spillage. See Gelled Electrolyte.

Impedance

The resistive and reactive characteristics of a material that

opposes the flow of current through the material. An AC
signal is used to measure impedance.

Inductor

Numerous turns of wire, usually wrapped around

some type of iron core, which present inductive reactance to
the flow of an AC current. Also referred to as a choke, an
inductor is typically used in circuits to eliminate the AC ripple
from the output of a DC power source.

Initial Charge

The charge applied to a battery when it is first installed.

The initial charging voltage is typically the same as that
used for equalization.

Initial Voltage

The minimum voltage to which a battery first declines

when a current is drawn from the battery.

Insulator

A non-conducting material such, as glass fibrous matting,

plastic, or rubber.

Internal Ohmic Measurement

A measurement of the electronic and ionic path within a cell

or unit using techniques commonly known as impectance
conductance or resistance tests.

Inter-cell Connector

An electrically conductive wire, buss bar or strap used to

connect two individual cells in series or parallel.

Internal Resistance

Expressed in ohms, the total DC resistance to the

flow of current through the internal components (grids, active
materials, separators, electrolyte, straps, intercell welds and
terminals) of the battery.

Ion

An atom with more or fewer electrons than required to

remain in equilibrium. Out of equilibrium, the atom becomes
negatively or positively charged and can act as a current
carrier. Ions, rather than electrons, are the current carriers of
an electrolyte.

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IR Drop

IR

The reduction in total voltage appearing at the terminals of a

battery when a load is applied. It is the product of the
battery's current, expressed in amperes (A or I), multiplied
by the internal resistance, expressed in ohms.

Jar

See container.

Jumper Cables

Portable cables used to convey current from one battery to

another. See Cable.

Kilo

Metric prefix for 1000. For example, one kilovolt

would be 1000 volts.

Kilowatt

kW

One thousand watts.

Kilovolt - Ampere

kVA

One thousand volt-amperes. The output of a UPS is

typically rated in volt-amperes.

Lead Alloy

A mixture of lead and another metal, (commonly antimony,

tin or calcium) created to enhance certain characteristics of
the metals during either the manufacturing process or its
application.

Lead Acid Battery

A rechargeable electro-chemical device used to store and

produce electrical energy. The active materials are lead
dioxide, sulfuric acid and metallic lead. The individual cell
has a nominal voltage of two volts DC.

Lead Oxide

PbO

Particles of oxidized lead are combined with water

and sulfuric acid and made into a paste. They are then
applied to the lead acid battery grids. Later, the lead oxide is
converted to active material through the formation process.
See Formation.

Lead Dioxide

PbO2

The active material of the positive plate in a battery

Lead Sulfate

PbSO4

The product resulting from the discharge of the active

materials of the plates. This may be the result of an active
discharge of the battery or local action.

Load

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The amount of current supplied by a battery to the

device being powered.

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Load Bank

An assembly of resistive elements connected in

parallel or series-parallel to present a load of pre-determined
amperes to the battery. There are both DC and AC rated
load banks, and they may not be used interchangeably.

Load Tester

Hand-held resistive device used to place a test

current on the battery while the resulting battery terminal
voltage drop is monitored.

Local Action

A reaction between the sulfuric acid electrolyte and

the active materials of the plates resulting in the slow
discharge of the plates leading to the formation of lead
sulfate on the plates and consumption of the acid in the
electrolyte. Evidence of local action includes declining
electrolyte specific gravity and terminal voltage. The condition
can be reversed by application of a freshening charge to the
battery or by a continuos float charge. Local action is
increased at elevated temperatures.

Marine Cranking
Amps

MCA

The current a battery produces for 30 seconds at

32F without the terminal voltage declining to below
1.2 volts per cell.

Mho

A unit of electrical conductance equal to the reciprocal of

resistance. Mho is the backward spelling of Ohm.

Micro

Metric prefix meaning 1/1,000,000. One microampere is

equal to 0.000001 amperes

Milliamp

ma

Metric prefix meaning 1/1,000. One milliampere is equal to

0.001 amperes.

Monoblock

A battery consisting of two or more series-connected cells

in a single container. A 12 volt battery is a monoblock
consisting of 6 series-connected 2 volt cells.

Monocell

A single-cell battery. Several monocells may be

connected to provide increased voltage or capacity.

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Mossing

Mossing can occur in vented cells where sloughed

active positive material will circulate in the electrolyte and
reform as negative material as it touches and adheres to the
negative plate. It can result in shorted cells when it occurs at
the top of the plates and bridges the separators. This
process is also referred to as treeing.

Multicell

See Monoblock.

Negative Plate

The gray plate in a lead acid battery. It contains the metallic

lead active material, and expels the electron current during
discharge.

Negative Terminal

NEG(-)

Nominal Voltage

The terminal of a battery connected to the negative plates

and to which the external load and charger connections are
made.
The approximate open circuit voltage of a cell or battery.
For example, the nominal voltage of a lead acid battery is
2 volts per cell, but the actual voltage is higher and is a
function of the electrolyte specific gravity.

Ohm

A unit of electrical resistance. When one volt is

applied across a resistor with one ohm of resistance, a
current of one ampere will flow through the resistor.

Ohm's Law

I=V/R

Equation used in circuit analysis which states that the

current flowing through a circuit is proportional to the voltage
applied and is inversely proportional to the resistance of the
circuit.

Open Circuit
Open Circuit Voltage

Open Battery Rack

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An interrupted conductive path or circuit. The circuit's switch

would be in the OFF position, and current could not flow.
OCV

The stabilized voltage at the battery terminals when no load

is connected. The OCV is approximately equal to the
electrolyte SG +0.85. See Load.
A frame on which individual batteries are mounted. They are
totally exposed to view for ease of visual inspection and
maintenance.

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Overcharging

Continued charging of the battery after it has reached 100%

capacity, or charging at higher than recommended float
charge voltage.

Over-Discharge

Discharge of a battery to a voltage lower than that

recommended for the particular discharge rate.

Oxygen Evolution

The production of oxygen gas at the positive plate as a

result of the electrolysis of water in the electrolyte during
overcharging.

Oxygen Recombination Cycle

In a VRLA battery, the process whereby the oxygen evolved

at the positive plate diffuses through the separator to react
with the negative plate and suppresses water loss. This is
one of the characteristics that distinguishes the VRLA
battery from vented lead acid batteries.

Parallel Connection

Individual cells or batteries of the same voltage interconnected

with all the Pos (+) terminals connected together and all the
Neg (-) terminals connected together. The capacities of the
individual units are cumulative.

Pasting

The process of applying a paste consisting of lead oxide,

water and sulfuric acid to the lead alloy grid of the plate.

Pasted Plate

A lead alloy grid to which the active materials, in a paste

form, have been applied.

Performance Capacity Test

A capacity test performed under the same conditions as the

original acceptance capacity test to determine what, if any,
degradation of capacity has occurred. Any capacity below
80% of rating is indicative of the need to replace the battery.
See Acceptance Capacity Test.

Pilot Cells

Cells within a battery selected to represent the state

of the entire battery. See Cells.

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Plante Plate

Named for its 1859 developer, Gaston Plante & this is

one type of positive plate used in a lead acid battery. It is
a solid lead plate on which the active materials are
electrochemically formed rather than having been pasted
onto the plate.

Positive Plate

The thick, brown to black plate in a lead acid battery

containing the lead dioxide active material. Typically, the
characteristics of the positive plate will determine the life
and performance of the battery.

Positive Terminal

Pos. (+)

The terminal attached to the battery positive plate group and

to which external load and charger connections are made.

Power

W (watt)

During discharge, the battery output power in watts is

equal to the terminal voltage multiplied by the output current
in amperes.

Power Factor

p.f.

A term related to AC circuits. The ratio of real power

to apparent power. pf = true power
apparent power

Primary Battery

A battery that cannot be recharged.

Rated Capacity

The ampere-hours or watt-hours a battery delivers under

standard conditions at a specified discharge rate to a
specified end point voltage. See Standard Conditions and
Standard Discharge Rate.

Recombinant

The process whereby the oxygen formed at the positive

plate diffuses to the negative plate, reacts with the lead and
suppresses water loss.

Rectifier

As a circuit component, it converts AC power to DC power.

It is also used to describe a DC power supply used to
charge the battery and power the critical load.

Recycling

The recovery of reusable lead, acid and plastic from spent

lead acid batteries.

Reserve Capacity

A measurement of the minutes a battery can supply 25

amperes to an end point voltage of 1.75 volts per cell. This
rating is used with automotive (SLI) and marine batteries.

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Resistor

A circuit component used to oppose the flow of current.

Retainer

A glass fiber mat attached to the ribbed side of a separator

and placed against the positive plate in the assembled
element. A retainer's function is to hold the sloughed positive
active material in place and thus improve the plate cycle life.

Secondary Cell

A rechargeable cell.

Sediment

The material shed from the positive and negative plates in a

vented (liquid electrolyte) cell. It settles to the bottom of the
cell in the space under the plates.

Seismic Rack

A reinforced battery stand with cell retaining rails designed to

withstand the forces imposed during a earthquake.

Self Discharge

See Local Action

Separator

An insulating material, usually rubber, plastic or glass fibrous

matting, used to isolate the positive and negative plates and
prevent them from touching one another or shorting out.

Series Connection

Individual cells or batteries of the same capacity interconnected

with the Neg (-) terminal to the Pos (+) terminal of the next
battery in the sequence. The voltages of cells or batteries
will be cumulative.

Shallow Cycle

Cycles where the battery consumes less than 5% of its

capacity during the discharge. Automotive (SLI) batteries
typically experience shallow cycles during engine starting.

Shelf Life

The period of time a battery can be in inventory without the

requirement of a boost or freshening charge.

Short Circuit

An unintended conductive path between poles of

different polarity. When a short circuit exists within a cell, its
open circuit voltage will eventually decline to zero.

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SLI

The acronym for a Starting, Lighting and Ignition

battery. An SLI battery's design is optimized for high
rate cranking current delivery and is used in automotive
applications. It is not designed to provide long life in
continuous float service.

Slow Charge

Recharging a battery at a low current rate; for example,

charging a battery at the C/20 rate or lower would be a
slow charge.

Specific Gravity

SG

Specific Gravity (SG), or gravity, is a measure of the density

of a liquid as compared to that of water, which has a SG of
1.000. For example, pure sulfuric acid has a specific gravity
of 1.835. Lead acid battery electrolyte is a mixture of water
and sulfuric acid, which typically has a specific gravity of
between 1.200 and 1.300.

Standard Conditions

Varying between countries, a widely recognized and specific

set of temperatures and end point voltages by which a
battery's output is measured. In North America, standard
conditions are 77F (25C) to an end point voltage of 1.75
volts per cell. In some countries, the standard conditions are
68F (20C) to an end point voltage of 1.8 volts per cell. See
Standard Discharge Rate and Rated Capacity.

Standard Discharge Rate

A function of the intended application, the accepted rate at

which the battery delivers current.

Stationary Battery

A battery used in a fixed position and usually mounted in a

rack, cabinet or stand, as opposed to a battery used in a
mobile application.

Service Life

The period of time during which the battery continues to

meet the requirements of the application and is at least 80%
of the rated capacity.

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State of Charge

SOC

Expressed as a percentage, the quotient of the

remaining ampere hours (AH) in a battery divided by the
rated capacity of the battery.

Strap

The lead casting that joins the element plates of like

polarity in parallel.

Stratification

The tendency of the heavier sulfuric acid in the

electrolyte solution to separate from the water and settle to
the bottom of the container.

Sulfuric Acid

H2SO4

The acid that, when mixed with water, is the electrolyte in a

lead acid battery.

Sulfation

The creation of lead sulfate (PbSO4) on the positive and

negative plates of the lead acid battery during normal
discharge and self discharge.

Switch

A device placed in an electric circuit to open (disconnect) or

close (connect) the conductive path.

Taper Charge

A cycle service charging technique using an unregulated

charger. As the current acceptance of the battery declines,
the charger's output voltage rises.

Thermal Runaway

A condition where a battery generates more heat than can

be dissipated and eventually melts the plastic jar. This is
often the result of float charging in a hot environment with
either little ventilation or shorted cells. See Float Charge.

Transformer

Normally used to obtain a voltage higher or lower than the

commercial line voltage and to provide circuit isolation from
the source, it is composed of primary and secondary coils of
wire wrapped around an iron core. The transformer provides
an AC voltage on the secondary coil equal to the ratio of
turns of wire on the primary to secondary windings.

Treeing

See Mossing.

Trickle Charge

A very low rate constant current charge to maintain a

battery at a full state of charge.

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UPS

The acronym for Uninterruptable AC Power Supply, a UPS

battery is an emergency power source to supply power
during commercial AC power outages.

VRLA

The acronym for Valve Regulated Lead Acid battery.

See Valve Regulated Lead Acid Battery.

Valve Regulated
Lead Acid Battery

VRLA

A lead acid battery with an immobilized electrolyte

and a one way self-resealing valve type of vent which
implements an oxygen recombination cycle to minimize
gassing and water consumption. A lead-acid cell that is
sealed with the exception of a valve that opens to the atmosphere
when the internal pressure in the cell exceeds atmospheric
pressure by a pre-selected amount. VRLA cells provide a
means for recombination of internally generated oxygen and
the suppression of hydrogen gas evolution to limit water
consumption.

Vent

An opening allowing for the free escape of gasses from the

lead acid battery. It may have a condensing chamber to
minimize exhaust of electrolyte mist and/or a flame arresting
device to prevent ignition of gasses within the cell by an
outside source, but is otherwise open to the atmosphere.

Valve

Provides for release of excessive pressure developed within

the cell and prevents entry of the outside atmosphere into
the cell.

Volt - Ampere

VA

The product of output AC voltage multiplied by AC

current.

Volt

A unit of force sufficient to carry one ampere of

current through one ohm resistance. See Volt Ampere,
Current, and Ohm.

Watt

A unit of power. It is the product of voltage

(expressed in volts) multiplied by current (expressed in
amperes). For example, 120 volts x 3 amperes = 360 watts.

Watt - Hour

Wh

A unit of work. The product of power, expressed in

watts, multiplied by the time, expressed in hours, over which
the power is produced.

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Any data, descriptions or specifications presented herein are subject to revision by C&D Technologies, Inc.
without notice. While such information is believed to be accurate as indicated herein, C&D Technologies, Inc.
makes no warranty and hereby disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with regard to the accuracy or
completeness of such information. Further, because the product(s) featured herein may be used under conditions
beyond its control, C&D Technologies, Inc. hereby disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, concerning
the fitness or suitability of such product(s) for any particular use or in any specific application or arising from any
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featured herein for users intended purpose and in users specific application.
Copyright 2012

C&D TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

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