SLA batt simple question

[karlosk98]

Hi everyone,

Recently, my sla spotlight battery has started to go dead in about 2 minutes with a fresh charge, like if it could not stand the energy draw. Initially when I bought it it had a runtime of about 10 minutes.

Can someone tell me the reason please. Should I change it?

Thanks.

 

[Flash_Gordon]

Even 10 minutes is not much run time. However, the dramatic decrease in run time indicates either a defective battery with a bad cell(s) or a battery that is not being properly charged.

Is your spotlight trying to draw more current than the battery is designed to provide. More information about the installed battery and your light might help provide a better answer.

How old is the battery? Several years or more and it just might need replacement. Remember lead acid batteries like to be kept fully charged and do not like to be deeply discharged. Changing either of those conditions can lead to dramatically shortened life.

Mark

 

[hopkins]

yes , sure change it out , if the cost is not a factor.
The battery in mine was the same (weak) when purchased.
The lifespan of the SLA battery can be increased a lot by
being able to measure the battery voltage directly - my mod'd spotlight...
I added wires from the battery to the case for easy measurement.

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff319/12eric/Dorcyspotmod006.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff319/12eric/Dorcyspotmod007.jpg

1 .so you know when to stop the recharge.
2. and when to stop use and begin another recharge.
google SLA ,Recharging ..for the exact voltages.

Also I read in one Mfg's recharge instructions that the SLA battery
should be right side up (and level) when recharging. Impossible unless
someone has opened the spotlight to look at the battery.
-good luck

 

[Flash_Gordon]

Those outside terminals you added will allow measurement of the battery voltage under load when the lamp is on. This really provides the most meaningful voltage measurement.

A large drop from unloaded battery voltage would be a very good indication of a battery problem.

Mark