1 Answer
Lead-acid cells (batteries) should not be allowed to stand completely discharged because:
To keep a lead-acid battery in good condition, it’s important to recharge it before it becomes completely discharged. Ideally, keeping it between 40% to 80% charge is good for battery health.
- Sulfation: When the battery is discharged for too long, lead sulfate crystals form on the lead plates inside the battery. These crystals are hard to convert back into usable lead and sulfuric acid when the battery is recharged. This process, known as sulfation, reduces the battery's capacity and overall lifespan.
- Permanent Damage: If left too long in a discharged state, the lead sulfate can become so hardened that it’s impossible to reverse the damage even with charging. This can result in the battery not holding a charge properly, leading to permanent failure.
- Corrosion of Plates: When the battery is discharged, the chemical reactions inside it can cause the lead plates to corrode. This damage can also affect the ability of the battery to function properly over time.
- Reduced Performance: If the battery is not recharged in time, its performance will deteriorate, meaning it won't provide the necessary voltage and current for your applications.
To keep a lead-acid battery in good condition, it’s important to recharge it before it becomes completely discharged. Ideally, keeping it between 40% to 80% charge is good for battery health.