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Battery Types and Sizes
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Battery Types
Automotive Starting Batteries
The lead-acid battery you are most familiar with is probably the starting
battery in your vehicle. 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 the spent capacity is quickly recharged by the
running engine.
The starting battery in your vehicle is not designed for repeated deep-
discharge cycles where the battery is almost completely discharged and
then recharged. If a starting battery is used in this kind of deep discharge
service, it will wear out very rapidly.
Deep-Cycle Batteries
Deep-cycle 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 TS400, Xantrex recommends that 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.