Filter
Top Products
Battery types
38
Battery types
Automotive starting batteries
The lead-acid battery you are most familiar with is probably
the starting battery in your automobile. An automotive
starting battery is designed to deliver a large amount of
current for a short period of time (so it can start your engine).
Only a small portion of the battery’s capacity is used when
starting the engine and it is quickly recharged by the running
engine.
This type of battery is not designed for repeated cycles where
the battery is almost completely discharged and then
recharged. If it is used in this kind of deep discharge service,
it will wear out very rapidly.
Deep-cycle lead-acid batteries
Deep-cycle lead-acid batteries are designed for deep
discharge service where they will be repeatedly discharged
and recharged. They are marketed for use in recreational
vehicles, boats, and electric golf carts — so you may see
them referred to as RV batteries, marine batteries, or golf cart
batteries.
For most applications of the HI400, Xantrex recommends
you use one or more deep-cycle batteries that are separated
from the vehicle’s starting battery by a battery isolator.
A battery isolator is a solid-state electronic circuit that allows
equipment to be operated from an auxiliary battery without
danger of discharging the vehicle’s starting battery. During
vehicle operation, the battery isolator automatically directs
the charge from the alternator to the battery requiring the
charge.
Battery isolators are available at marine and RV dealers and
most auto parts stores.