So You Own An AGM Battery...
AGM batteries can sulfate just like any other lead acid battery. Other than by Ouija Board how would YOU determine if a battery has become sulfated and how severe is the sulfation, and if desulfation ...
Forum Discussion
MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Some tips: A 50 watt 12 volt trouble light bulb from a hardware or auto parts store is the cheapest reliable load I am aware of. 4 amperes more or less (connect it and see with your meter)
I would use time rather than voltage. A decent 100 amp battery should discharge to around 50% in 12 hours, right? So I set the alarm clock, then when it goes off I go and see where the voltage is.
Use your manufacturer's voltage charge percentage guide to calibrate the test.
Yes. This is how you measure the capacity (or loss of capacity).You know the answer, why are you asking? :)
Some clarification: for proper calibration you need to do this test soon after you've bought it. Fully charge, rest overnight and measure hours and minutes before it drops to 12V - doesn't matter what capacity is according to the charts. It's your individual battery and you need a reference point, for each battery. Then repeat the test after some years or if you suspect the loss of capacity.
AFAIK, Lifeline is the only brand that tells how to do the "conditioning" and when. I would think that any other AGM would benefit the same from this procedure, but other manufacturers don't tell at what voltage it has to be done. So if yours are not Lifeline and they lost capacity, you may "condition" it at your own risk. Please post the results if you do. Some "wouldn't care less", but batteries are costly and there are people who care about their own money.
