Ask the Expert: Why do batteries sometimes not hold a proper charge or discharge faster than they should after a period of discharge?

April 25, 2014

Learn the details of battery acid stratification, and how to service it.

Q: Why do batteries sometimes not hold a proper charge or discharge faster than they should after a period of discharge?

A: This condition occurs after a period of deep discharge of a battery and is called acid stratification. This can happen by accident by leaving an electronic load on or by letting a battery sit in storage for an extended period of time. It can also happen in the case of a deep cycle application such as in a boat or RV due to running the battery down with electronics and charging it back up then continuing this cycle.

If normal Ca/Ca batteries become discharged by more than 40 to 50 percent, the acid stratifies, which means that the acid and water form separate layers. The battery’s capacity and service life is reduced dramatically. Some battery service equipment products feature the ability to recover deep discharged and flooded batteries using a constant current charge, including CTEK products. Known on CTEK products as the RECOND function, this function mixes the battery acid so that the battery regains an even acid density. An even acid density enables the battery to maintain a better charge and makes the battery feel “revived and fresher," which extends the battery’s service life.

(Infographic: A list of issues that improper battery maintenance can cause.)

Information provided by: CTEK

About the Author

Matt Ingram | Regional Sales Manager, CTEK

Matt Ingram, Regional Sales Manager for CTEK, is the company's expert in battery charging and maintenance.

CTEK Power, Inc. is based in Twinsburg, Ohio. CTEK manufactures a complete range of new generation high-quality, reliable battery chargers and accessories for private and professional use that are effective, user friendly and above all safe to use. CTEK has become the most trusted name in battery charging, manufacturing and distributing both CTEK and OEM branded chargers. A leader in Switch Mode Technology, CTEK’s cutting edge innovations have made it a global industry leader selling more than 4 million chargers in over 60 countries worldwide.