Gel VS Lead Acid Batteries
When Gel batteries were introduced into the industry, they were roughly 4 times the cost of a lead acid battery. As higher volumes were produced for the Gel batteries, they rapidly reduced in price and increased in quality.
Today, a gel battery will cost roughly 30% more than that of a wet lead acid battery with none of the headaches, maintenance, or charging issues. As a result, gel batteries are now more commonly used in floor scrubbers and floor sweepers. However, gel batteries are beginning to be phased out and replaced with Lithium. You can learn about some of this exciting technology in our blog One Battery to Run Them All.
A common question asked is what the main differences between these batteries are so to help you out, below highlights the key advantages and disadvantages of Gel and Lead batteries.
Gel Batteries
Advantages
Sealed
Spill-proof
Maintenance free
Classified as non-hazardous goods for air, rail & road transportation
Extremely low self-discharge rate
No gassing
Withstand a wide range of temperatures
Withstand shock & vibration better than any other battery
No terminal corrosion
MSDS sheets not required
Can be installed near sensitive electronic equipment
Excellent deep cycle performance
Disadvantages
More expensive than lead acid
Sensitive to overcharging (although this is not an issue with a correctly specified SMART charger)
Flooded Lead Acid
Advantages
Relatively inexpensive
Widely available
Good size to capacity ratio
Good deep cycle performance
Disadvantages
Require strict maintenance
Require ventilated rooms for recharging
Suffer from terminal corrosion
can leak is casing is cracked causing hazardous spill
Require rubber gloves & goggles when maintaining
Vent substantial quantities on hydrogen & oxygen gasses as well as other toxins
Will quickly sulphate if left discharged for any period of time
Are easily damaged if over-charged
Have high self-discharge rate
Are classified as hazardous goods for transportation