Summer lead-acid battery specific gravity

What is the specific gravity of a lead acid battery?

However, we can make an educated guess by using the known specific gravity of a lead acid battery. Lead acid batteries have a specific gravity of1.280-1.300. This means that they are 12.8-13% heavier than water. Therefore, a fully charged lead acid battery would have a specific gravity of 1.296-1.308.

What is a flooded lead acid battery?

Flooded lead acid batteries contain a liquid acid solution that is critical to the battery’s performance. The acid concentration is determined with a tool called a hydrometer; the hydrometer measures density, or specific gravity. Specific gravity (SG) is very important because it’s the most direct indicator of battery state of charge.

What is a lead acid battery?

In lead-acid batteries, this is a mixture of distilled water (pure H₂O) and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄). Sulfuric acid can be dangerous because it is odorless, colorless and strongly acidic so take precautions when working around batteries, especially if the electrolyte is leaking. What is Specific Gravity?

What should the specific gravity of a battery be?

The specific gravity of a battery should be between 1.265 and 1.299 for lead-acid batteries. This range indicates that the battery is fully charged and in good condition. If the specific gravity is below 1.225, the battery is discharged and needs to be charged. If the specific gravity is above 1.299, the battery is overcharged and may be damaged.

How does specific gravity affect battery performance?

In practical terms, the specific gravity of a battery’s electrolyte provides insights into its state of charge. As a battery discharges, the specific gravity decreases, and as it charges, the specific gravity increases. Monitoring this parameter is crucial for understanding the overall health and performance of lead-acid batteries.

How do you test a lead acid battery?

For temperature adjustments, get a specific gravity reading and adjust to temperature by adding .004 for every 10° F above 80° F and subtracting .004 for every 10° F below 80° F. A fully charged lead acid battery used in todays car has a specific gravity of 1.265 fully charged. Use this handy guide to perform this test using a battery hydrometer.