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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) Battery?

A Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) battery, also known as a VRLA, Valve Regulated Lead Acid battery, has the following attributes: maintenance-free, leak-proof, and not sensitive to positioning. SLA batteries are equipped with a safety vent to release gas in the event of too much internal pressure.
SLA batteries are used in many applications, such as home alarm systems, backup systems, generators, flashlights, spotlights, workout equipment, generators, motorcycles, ATVS, toys, and much more.


What are volts and amp-hours (example: 12V – 20Ah)?

Every battery two ratings: volts (V) and amp-hours (Ah).

Voltage is the measure of electrical voltage of the battery (there are many types of batteries, 2V, 4V, 6V, 8V, 12V, 24V) 

Amp-hours are a rating of the amount of energy a battery can store. 


Does my replacement battery capacity (Ah) have to be same as my original? How do I choose?

In some cases, where physical dimensions allow it, you can upgrade to a higher Amperage battery. For example, a device using a 12V 7.2Ah can use a 12V 9Ah for longer run time. Any bigger and the battery will physically not fit into the device, as the physical dimensions will be different.

The voltage of the original and the replacement has to be the same. In our example, a 12V 7.2Ah can be replaced by a 12V 9Ah for longer run time, but the battery must be 12V.


How long do SLA batteries typically last?

The majority of SLA batteries last anywhere from three to five years, depending on things like applications, charging method, and operating temperature. Most SLAs last 300-500 cycles.

Charge your battery before storage. Never store an SLA battery in a partially charged or discharged state. This will likely permanently damage the battery.


What is the shelf life of a sealed lead acid battery?

SLA batteries naturally discharge over time. If it is not charged periodically, the battery’s full capacity may not be reached again. SLA batteries self-discharge at a rate of around 3% a month. UPS Battery Center recommends checking on and charging SLA batteries every three months. Never store an SLA battery longer than six months without recharging it. Always store batteries in a cool, dry place. Generally, a battery can last 6 months to 1 year on a shelf at 25 degrees celcius.


What is “Memory Effect”?

SLA batteries do not suffer from memory effect. Never fully discharge any SLA battery.

Memory effect is also known as lazy battery effect; it occurs in some rechargeable batteries and causes them to hold less charge over time.
The original meaning refers to certain NiCd batteries which gradually lose their maximum energy capacity if they are often recharged after being only partially discharged.  Batteries with this type of chemistry should be fully discharged before being recharged.

Sealed lead acid batteries do not have memory and function better when fully charged. The less often you discharge your sealed lead acid battery, the longer it will last. Never leave a sealed lead acid battery discharged. Always recharge after use.


My sealed lead acid battery is bloated or swollen. What should I do?

Immediately remove the swollen battery from the equipment it is in. A battery expands due to overcharging. High rates of overcharging will cause a battery to heat up. It accepts more current as it heats up, heating it up even more. This cycle of overheating is called thermal runway and it is able to destroy a battery fairly quickly, sometimes in only a few hours. It is all of the heat that causes the battery to swell.

The battery is not usable. Recycle it a local battery recycling facility. This battery needs to be replaced immediately. 


Can I recycle my old SLA battery? How?

Visit the UPS Battery Center Recycling Depot for more information on recycling batteries and other electronic waste.


How long will my battery run?

Battery run-time varies based on the power demands made by the equipment, as well as its capacity and run time. Every application is different. Contact the manufacturer of your device to determine how long the device will run with the specified battery.


What are “smart” and “dumb” batteries?

Smart batteries have internal circuit boards which allow them to communicate with the UPS or device to monitor performance, output voltage, and temperature.


Are the sealed lead acid batteries that you sell rechargeable?

Yes, all SLA batteries that we sell are all rechargeable.


My alarm company told me that my alarm uses a 12V battery, but did not specify anything else, can you help?

Yes we can help. Call us or email us at sales@upsbatterycenter.ca with your alarm information and we will get you the correct replacement battery.


My alarm company recommended sending a technician to replace the battery in my home alarm. Can I save the money and do it myself?

Yes, you can definitely replace the battery in your home alarm without a technician. The process takes less than 5 minutes. You may need to call the alarm company afterwards to clear the error from your alarm panel. The process is easy and can be done without a technician.


I left my electric golf caddy in the garage for the winter, but didn't charge it before storage. Now the battery won't hold a charge. Is this normal?

The battery has been left in a discharged state for too long and can not be recharged. Likely, the battery has crystalized and is unable to hold a charge. This battery needs to be replaced.

Before storing your electric golf caddy for the winter, make sure to fully charge the battery, then unplug it from the system. Store in a cool dry place. If the battery is left plugged into the device, the self discharge rate is much higher and the battery will discharge faster.


Can I drop of my old battery to you for recycling when I come pick up my new batteries?

Yes, you are welcome to drop off old batteries at our location for recycling. Dropping off an old battery to recycle can be done anytime, no purchase required.


Where are you located in Toronto?

We are locarted in North York, at 149 Limestone Crescent. This is close to Keele and Steeles. If you can't find us, call us at 416-848-7755 and we'll provide directions.


My electric golf caddy uses a 12V 18Ah battery, can I replace it with a 12V 20Ah to get longer use of my caddy?

Yes, you can upgrade from the 12V 18Ah to the 12V 20Ah to enjoy a longer run time. The dimensions of both batteries are the same, there will be no issues fitting the 12V 20Ah into the electric golf caddy. 


My fish finder originally came with a 12V 7Ah from the manufacturer. If I upgrade it to a 12V 9Ah, can I damage the fish finder?

Changing the battery from a 12V 7Ah to a 12V 9Ah will not damage the fish finder. The result of this upgrade will be a longer operating time on the fish finder. The physical dimensions of both batteries are exactly the same. There will no issues installing this battery into the fish finder.


My DSC alarm has a 12V 4Ah battey, can I use a 12V 5Ah battery? Will this damage my alarm system?

There's absolutely no problem using a 12V 5Ah battery in the alarm system. There will be no damage of any kind to the alarm system. The slightly higher amperate will result in a longer up time for the alarm when the power fails.


Can my electric scooter use regular sealed lead acid batteries? Can I use batteries that are designed for emergency lighting or alarms to run my scooter?

For electric scooters (ebikes) you need to use batteries that are specifically designed for mobility applications. Do not use SLA batteries that are designed for emergency lighting, alarms, or even UPSs. As good as these batteries may be, they are not designed to be used in mobility devices. Although the scooter will initially work, you will notice poor performance, fast discharges and a quick and premature death of the batteries. The batteries may also quickly swell and bloat.

To get the most use and fun out of your eBike, buy the correct batteries. Buy high quality mobility sealed lead acid batteries. These batteries are designed for heavy use. They will provide you much more value for the money spent, they will last longer and provide longer ride times.


My system uses 4 sealed lead acid batteries. I think only 1 has died, can I replace just the one?

You need to replace all four batteries. Replacing just one of the batteries in the system will result in a premature death for the new battery. The other batteries will damage the new one. To get the most life out of your device, make sure you replace all the batteries at once with new ones. The other batteries may not yet be dead, but could be very damaged. It's only a matter of time until they expire as well. 


How often should I replace my home alarm battery?

Modern alarm systems will notify you when an alarm battery needs to be replaced. On some alarm systems there will be a beep every so often, on some an error code will display on the panel, and on some a trouble light will turn on. These notifications indicate there is a battery failure and the alarm battery should be replaced.

Generally, home alarm batteries last a very long time because there is not much power draw on them and they are not used often. Alarm system batteries can last anywhere from 4-7 years, we have even seen some that has lasted longer. As a rule of thumb, check your alarm battery every 5 years. 


Can I use my automotive battery charger to charge my small lead acid battery?

Do not use an automotive battery charged to charge small sealed lead acid batteries. Car battery chargers are designed to work with big SLI batteries and charge at a high amperage. For small batteries like 6V 5Ah or 12V 9Ah this will be too much amperage. Although it will charge the battery, it will significantly reduce the life time of the battery and will likely cause permanent damage to the battery.

To charge small sealed lead acid batteries, buy a sealed lead acid battery charger that charges small SLA batteries at approximately 1A. A trickle charger is perfect for sealed lead acid batteries, it a slow charger but will ensure a long life time for your battery.


Can I pick up batteries at your warehouse in Toronto?

You are welcome to come to our warehouse at 149 Limestone Crescent, Toronto, Ontario, M3J-2R1 to pick up your order. You can select local pick up in the checkout and select a convenient time for the pick up. We will have your order ready by the time you show up. You can also come visit and buy your batteries on the spot. You can call as 416-848-7755 to confirm stock and availability.


I am not sure how to replace the batteries in my device, can I bring the device with me to your store?

Yes, please bring your device with you and our technicians will take a look and help get it done.