Battery Life

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JohnHudak
Posts: 1140
Joined: Sat Jan 04, 2003 2:18 pm
Location: Ohio

Battery Life

Post by JohnHudak »

Hi All, I'm just wondering if there is a specific life on the 12V batteries we use in our electric locomotives?
In my case, I have two 12V batteries (#12180) powering a 24V 4QD system on my 3/4" F units..
I haven't put them on the charger in over 6-7 years, and when I did last night, they seemed to charge up just fine.. I'm using a Battery Tender 24V charging system if that matters..
Everything seems good in a short bench test run, and I'll put the charger back on tonight, but I'm concerned about any possible problem with them because of the length of non use?
Am I over thinking this, or should I be worried?
Thanks...
John
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Benjamin Maggi
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Location: Albany, NY

Re: Battery Life

Post by Benjamin Maggi »

I think getting 6-7 years already is pretty good. I guess it depends on how much you use them. A battery tender is an excellent battery charger that is highly recommended on other threads here. I know some people who have gotten 10+ years out of their batteries, and others who might not get 5. I don't know if it matters, but I believe storing them inside over the winter in a warm place probably helps too.
"One cannot learn to swim without getting his feet wet." - Benjamin Maggi
- Building: 7.25" gauge "Sweet Pea" named "Catherine"
JohnHudak
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Joined: Sat Jan 04, 2003 2:18 pm
Location: Ohio

Re: Battery Life

Post by JohnHudak »

Thanks Ben, Thanks, I should have added that these have always been stored in a heated basement...
Mr Ron
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Re: Battery Life

Post by Mr Ron »

I have heard that you must not place batteries directly on a concrete floor, but to place them on wood supports.
Mr.Ron from South Mississippi
JohnHudak
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Location: Ohio

Re: Battery Life

Post by JohnHudak »

Mr Ron wrote: Wed Sep 11, 2019 12:49 pm I have heard that you must not place batteries directly on a concrete floor, but to place them on wood supports.
Ron, I’ve never heard that, but these were stored in the locomotive on a wood bench about 3 feet off the floor...
John
John Hasler
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Re: Battery Life

Post by John Hasler »

Mr Ron wrote: Wed Sep 11, 2019 12:49 pm I have heard that you must not place batteries directly on a concrete floor, but to place them on wood supports.
Long ago lead-acid car batteries were built using three-hole hard rubber extrusions which were sealed at the bottom with pitch. This stuff could be slightly porous so that a bit of acid would ooze out through it. This acid would react with concrete, damaging it and providing an electrical path that could discharge the cells.

Earlier yet batteries were built in asphalt-coated wooden cases: you can bet that problem described above was worse with them.
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tornitore45
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Joined: Tue Apr 18, 2006 12:24 am
Location: USA Texas, Austin

Re: Battery Life

Post by tornitore45 »

Lead acid battery life is not just a matter of time is related to the warping of the plates that come with cycling, heating, cooling, surge drain, jolts and vibrations. All of the factor shake off bits of the plate or the PbOxide paste that accumulates on the bottom. Eventually the detritus mound up to short the plate or the plate warp short or break.
Sitting still kept charged by a battery tender is a easy life for a battery.
Mauro Gaetano
in Austin TX
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