AGM batteries are also often referred to as Sealed Regulated Valve, Dry Cell, Non-Spillable, and Valve-Regulated Lead
Acid batteries.
GEL CELL BATTERIES
The Gel Cell is similar to the AGM battery because the electrolyte is suspended; however, the AGM battery is still
considered to be a wet cell. The electrolyte in a Gel Cell has a silica additive that causes it to set (gel) or stiffen. The
recharge voltage on this type of cell is lower than the other types of lead acid batteries, due to the likelihood of an
adverse reaction to over-voltage charging. Gel Cell batteries are best used in very deep cycle applications and may last
longer in hot weather applications.
BATTERY BANK WIRING
PARALLEL BATTERY WIRING
Parallel battery wiring refers to two or more batteries with all positive (+) terminals hooked together and all negative (-)
terminals hooked together. This results in a battery voltage similar to that of the individual batteries, typically 12 Volt, to
boost battery capacity. Two identical batteries wired parallel will provide twice the electrical storage capacity of one
battery, without increasing voltage.
SERIES BATTERY WIRING
Series wiring refers to two or more batteries hooked together, with opposite terminals connected. The positive (+)
terminal of the first battery should be connected to the negative (-) terminal of the second battery. The resulting voltage
is the sum of the individual batteries. For example, if two six Volt batteries are hooked together, the resulting voltage will
be 12 Volts.
SERIES/PARALLEL WIRING
Series/ Parallel battery wiring is used on Newmar units when four or more 6 Volt batteries are used for the house battery
bank. Since 12 Volts is the desired working voltage from the battery bank, the batteries are connected to provide 12
Volts with more capacity. Two 6 volt batteries wired together in a series create a 12 Volt battery bank. Two or more of
the 12 Volt battery banks can be connected together in a parallel format to provide more capacity.
In situations where multiple batteries are connected in a series, parallel or series/parallel, replacement batteries should
be the same size, type, and manufacturer (if possible). Age and usage level should be the same as the companion
batteries.
BATTERY CYCLE VS. BATTERY LIFE
A battery cycle is one complete discharge and recharge cycle (100 percent to 20 percent, and then back to 100
percent). Battery life is directly related to how deep the battery is cycled each time. The most common cycles are 10, 20,
and 50 percent. Be cautious of ratings that list the number of cycles, unless it also states how low the battery is being
discharged.
For example, telephone type (float service) batteries have been advertised as having a 20-year life. However, the rating
only stands true at five percent depth of discharge (DOD), and the life span is much less when used in an application
where the batteries are cycled deeper on a regular basis. Those same batteries are rated at less than five years if cycled
to 50 percent.
If a battery is discharged to 50 percent every day, it will last about twice as long as if it is cycled to 80 percent DOD. If
cycled only 10 percent DOD, it will last about five times as long as one cycled to 50 percent. The most practical number
to use is 50 percent DOD on a regular basis for the best use of effective storage and cost.
In addition, there is an upper limit. A battery that is continually cycled down five percent or less will usually not last as
long as one cycled down 10 percent.At very shallow cycles, lead dioxide tends to build up in clumps on the positive
plates rather than in an even layer.
BATTERY STATE/VOLTAGE CHART
State of Charge
Specific Gravity
12 Volt
6 Volt
100%
1.265
12.7
6.3
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