OPTIMA Batteries F.A.Q.
2. What does the SPIRALCELL design do?
3. Does Optima ever gas?
4. Does Optima Deep Cycle have a 'memory'?
5. Why the low rate of self-discharge?
6. Why is Optima not perishable like other batteries?
7. Can you trickle charge an Optima? Solar card charger?
8. Will my high-output alternator damage the Optima?
9. Will it discharge the battery if left sitting on concrete?
10. Can I hook an Optima up in parallel with my other battery?
11. Can I use an isolator with an Optima?
12. Why does the Optima last longer?
13. What is the difference between your deep cycle and starter battery?
14. What does deep cycle mean?
15. When should I consider a deep cycle?
16. What is a Gel Cell Battery?
17. How does a Gel Cell compare to your deep cycle?
The initial purchase price of an Optima is higher because of several factors, including:
- Specialized manufacturing. Because of the unique design of the Optima much of the manufacturing equipment had to be designed and custom built.
- High quality materials. Optima uses only non-recycled "virgin" lead for it's grids. In addition the only alloy is a very small amount of Tin (less than .5%).
- Long manufacturing process. It takes approximately 3 weeks to build an Optima and approve it for customer shipments. This time includes a mandatory 8 day quality hold to ensure you receive the highest quality product.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 batter y are designed for high current, short duration
discharges. Plates in deep cycle batteries are better suited to repetitive
deep discharge applications.
5. 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.
6. Why is Optima not perishable like other batteries?
(See Question 5.)
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.