Battery Sulfation

Although sulfation is a normal part of the chemical reaction within a lead-acid battery, it is responsible for over 80% of all lead-acid battery failures. Normal levels of sulfation are broken down during regular charging cycles. However, when it builds-up and larger crystals form that affix themselves to the lead plates, they rob battery capacity. The battery loses its ability to fully charge which decreases equipment run time and increases labor costs. At this stage, the sulfate crystals cannot be broken down by charging alone.

Sulfation damage to battery

Sulfation May Be Caused by the following:

  • Discharging your battery too deeply
  • Battery aging
  • Opportunity charging
  • Fast charging
  • Long periods of inactivity
  • Improper battery watering
  • High temperatures (over 75°F / 24°C)
  • Use of an incorrect battery charger

Sulfation Indicators

Sulfation may appear as terminal corrosion on the exterior of your battery or it may present itself in more subtle ways like:

  • Shorter run times between charges
  • Excessive heat build-up
  • Taking more/less time to charge
  • Battery failure

Minimize Sulfation

Improve Your Battery Health

The all-in-one Xtender discharges, desulfates, and recharges lead-acid (flooded, AGM, Gel) batteries giving them a second life, reducing new battery purchase cycles, and providing a more environmentally friendly solution by limiting production waste.