FAQ

1. What does the SPIRALCELL design do?
The unique design of the SPIRALCELL Technology provides many features not available in ordinary batteries. The following is a summary.
SPIRALCELL PROVIDES:

– MORE plate surface, closer plate spacing, ability to use high purity lead. RESULTING IN: Low internal resistance. This low resistance gives you more power in a smaller box, ability to recharge much faster, higher, cleaner voltage characteristics during discharge.

– IMMOBILIZED plates (locked in place). RESULTING IN: Improved vibration resistance, no shedding of active paste material, no gradual loss of power and capacity as the battery ages. This gives you a battery that lasts longer and performs better throughout its life.

2. Does Optima ever gas?
When used with a properly regulated constant voltage charging system (such as an alternator) the Optima will usually not emit hydrogen gas. However, gassing can occur when charging at higher voltage levels or in extreme high temperature conditions. In automotive applications this typically will not happen if the alternator/regulator stay below 15 volts.

3. Does Optima Deep Cycle have a ‘memory’?
Lead-Acid batteries do not suffer from memory effect. Many people think they have a memory because they experience a reduction in capacity or run-time as the battery ages. The active paste material in a lead-acid battery is a consumable item, similar to tread on a tire. Every time you cycle the battery some of the paste is used up. As the battery ages, less of the active paste is available to charge and discharge, resulting in a reduced operating time. This situation can be more apparent in the case where a high power or SLI battery is used in a deep cycle application. The plates of an SLI battery are designed for high current, short duration discharges. Plates in deep cycle batteries are better suited to repetitive deep discharge applications.

4. Why the low rate of self-discharge?
Mostly this is due to the purity of the lead in the Optima plates. Some of the alloys in conventional batteries are more prone to electron transfer resulting in self discharge than the what is used in the Optima.

5. Can you trickle charge an Optima? Solar card charger?
Yes, you can use any charger on an Optima as long as the voltage is regulated properly. If your charger will remain on indefinitely the voltage should be at 13.8 volts maximum with a one amp maximum current.

6. Will my high-output alternator damage the Optima?
No, as long as the voltage is properly regulated. Because the Optima has a very low internal resistance it will accept high current more efficiently than conventional batteries.

7. Will it discharge the battery if left sitting on concrete?
No, today’s batteries utilized polypropylene plastic for the case material. They will not be effected. When possible, always store a battery in a cool dry location.

8. Can I hook an Optima up in parallel with my other battery?
No, when hooking batteries together in parallel they should be of identical make, model, and of similar age.

9. Can I use an isolator with an Optima?
Yes, most any type of battery separator or solenoid can be used with an Optima. The important thing to remember is that the charging voltage must be within Optima’s suggested limits. If you are using an Optima and a conventional battery, your system must charge each battery independently. Remember, some isolators cause a voltage drop, make sure your charging voltage AT THE BATTERY is sufficient. Continua undercharging of a battery will lead to premature failure and a drop in capacity.

10. Why does the Optima last longer?
The main reasons for Optima’s longer life are:

– NO shedding of active paste material. The SPIRALCELL design immobilizes the plates preventing the active past from working loose, which can cause plate to plate shorting.

– High purity lead-tin grid. Optima’s grid material is more resistant to grid degradation. A type of internal corrosion that affects the plates inside a battery as it ages.

– SEALED design prevents loss of water which can lead to plate dry out and failure.
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11. What is the difference between your deep cycle and starter battery?
The Optima deep cycle battery utilizes a different chemistry for the active paste material on the plates, and a slightly stronger acid. This chemistry changes allows for a much longer life in cycling applications, with only a slight reduction in power.

12. What does deep cycle mean?
Deep cycle means using the battery in an application that will typically discharge 60% to 70% or more of the batter y capacity. An automotive battery is an SLI (starting, lighting, ignition) battery. It’s plates are designed to deliver maximum power for a short duration. Starting a car typically discharges an SLI battery only 1% to 3%. When an SLI battery is used in a deep cycle application, or in a vehicle with heavy accessory loads, the battery life will be shortened proportionally to how deeply it is cycled on a regular basis.

13. When should I consider a deep cycle?
Any time you need the battery to supply all the operating power for a vehicle or other device. Additionally, deep cycle batteries should be used in vehicles that have heavy accessory loads where the alternator cannot maintain the battery in a fully charged condition.

14. What is a Gel Cell Battery?
A gel battery design is typically a modification of the standard lead acid automotive or marine battery. A gelling agent is added to the electrolyte to reduce movement inside the battery case. Many gel batteries also use one way valves in place of open vents, this helps the normal internal gasses to recombine back into water in the battery, reducing gassing.

15. How does a Gel Cell compare to your deep cycle?
Most gel batteries have a much higher internal resistance, meaning they will not be able to deliver and receive current as efficiently. This is especially apparent at higher amperage levels. For example, most gel batteries will not work successfully in engine starting applications.