Discover Learning Center
Battery 101

The information included in this page has been collected over years of experience and from references compiled from various sources within the industry. The reader is encouraged to search for additional information that will improve their overall experience with lead-acid batteries and other related areas of interest. 

What began as a regional battery distribution business in 1949 has evolved into a global engineering and manufacturing company providing leading-edge technology to the transportation, motive power, and energy storage industries through the best knowledge-based distribution and service organizations on the planet. Along with highly engineered industry-leading power electronics features, Discover PURPOSE BUILDS over 70 years of applications history into the design and production of high-value lead acid and lithium power solutions that matter to people who rely on batteries to work, live or getaway.

Section I - Introduction

Section II - Working with Batteries in General

Section III - General Lead-acid Battery Description

Section VI – Safety

Section VII - Frequently asked Questions and Answers

What is a VRLA battery?

What is a GEL battery?

What is an AGM battery?

Do AGM or GEL batteries have a “memory” like ni-cad batteries?

What is a Flooded battery?

Why are calcium grids used in AGM and GEL batteries?

Why is Acid Stratification a Killer of lead-acid batteries?

What is the difference between GEL and AGM batteries?

Why do Discover VRLA DRY CELL AGM and GEL batteries have excellent shelf life?

What is the difference between GEL, AGM and Flooded batteries?

How does a GEL or AGM VRLA DRY CELL battery work?

Can Discover VRLA DRY CELL AGM and GEL batteries be installed in sealed battery boxes?

Why Semi-Traction Deep Cycle AGM and GEL batteries last longer than general purpose AGM or GEL batteries

How can I convert Reserve Capacity to amp hours at a 25-amp discharge rate?

Can Discover VRLA DRY CELL AGM and GEL batteries be used as starting batteries?

How can I convert Amp Hours at the 20 Hour Rate to Reserve Capacity?

Do I need to do anything special when installing lead-acid batteries on or near water?

Why can’t AGM or GEL batteries be opened?

Why do some AGM or GEL batteries bulge?

Why do some AGM or GEL batteries appear sucked-in?

Why are batteries connected in parallel?

Why are batteries connected in Series?

Why connecting different capacity batteries in parallel is not recommended!

Why connecting different capacity batteries in series should never be done!

Will a battery explode?

Do batteries last longer in hot climates than in cold ones?

How can I tell if my deep cycle battery has reached the end of its useful life?

Are Discover GELL and AGM batteries approved for air transportation?

How do I increase the capacity or voltage of my battery and system?

Section VIII - Frequently asked Storage and Maintenance Questions and Answers

Section IX - Frequently asked Battery Charging and Discharge Q&As

Section X - Buying Decision

Section XII - Servicing Batteries