Can AGM Batteries Be Placed in Sealed Containers?

January 3, 2022 9:33 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Here’s a commonly asked question we receive: Can an AGM battery be placed in a sealed container?

Proper AGM (absorbent glass mat) battery storage is critical for keeping those batteries in good condition. AGM batteries have valves that are closed until the pressure inside the battery rises to a certain level.

When the pressure reaches the release level, the valve opens for a millisecond to relieve the pressure and then reseals. The gas relieved can be explosive in the correct concentrations and must be allowed to dissipate into open air. The life of the battery is longer when engineered to not have to release pressure because of extreme charging or discharging.

As a result, AGM batteries must not be operated in a sealed container.

Achieving proper AGM battery storage

So, what exactly do you need to do to keep your AGM batteries in good condition? Here are a few AGM battery storage tips for you to keep in mind:

  • Voltage check: Before getting everything stored away, make sure you perform a voltage check on the battery, so you know exactly what levels the batteries are currently at.
  • Charge: If the voltage check reveals the battery is not currently charged completely, you should give it a boost. The alternator should not be used to recharge the battery; instead, you should use a charger designed specifically for AGM batteries to return it to full power capacity. Just be careful not to overcharge.
  • Use chargers in storage: If the place you will be storing the battery has power running to it, you should use a battery maintainer while the battery is in storage. This will ensure the battery remains fully powered and in a stable condition, even while it’s not in use. Battery maintainers come with an automatic restart feature, so if there is a power outage that occurs in the storage facility, it will automatically kick back into gear. There is also a temperature control feature that prevents the battery from getting too hot or cold.
  • If there isn’t power: If you do not have power in the location where you’re going to be storing your battery, make sure you charge the battery fully before you put it away, and make plans to immediately recharge it again after you pull it out and before you attempt to put it into use.
  • Boosting: While the battery is in storage, you should aim to charge it every 90 days or when open circuit voltage drops to 12.5 volts for a 12-volt battery. The open-circuit voltage (OCV) should be approximately three quarters of a charge.

These are just a few of the steps you can take to keep your AGM batteries in good condition. Remember: Avoid storing or operating your AGM batteries in a sealed container if you want to keep them in good condition for a longer period of time.

For more helpful tips about AGM batteries, we encourage you to contact the team at Texford Battery Co. today.

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