Flooded Batteries: Understanding the Basics

What is a Flooded Battery?

A flooded battery, also known as a wet cell battery, is a type of lead-acid battery that requires regular maintenance. It is designed with excess electrolytes and has electrodes that are immersed in them.

Key Features of Flooded Batteries

Flooded batteries are characterized by the following:

• Not sealed: They are not sealed and do not internally recombine gases to liquids.
• Traditional design: They have a traditional design consisting of lead plates immersed in electrolyte.
• Regular maintenance: They require regular maintenance, including electrolyte level checks and cleaning of terminals.

Types of Flooded Batteries

There are several types of flooded batteries, including:

• Automotive batteries
• Marine batteries
• Deep-cycle batteries

Advantages and Disadvantages of Flooded Batteries

Flooded batteries offer some advantages:

• Relatively inexpensive to produce
• Widely available
• Capable of high-current discharge

However, they also have disadvantages:

• Require regular maintenance
• Can leak if not handled properly
• Have a shorter lifespan than sealed batteries