DEFINITIONS OF BATTERY TYPES

There is often confusion when battery definitions are used to explain various aspects of the lead acid battery eg, sealed, maintenance free and other descriptive terms. The explanation of terms below is based on definitions contained in the IEC (60095-1:2006) specification for lead acid starter batteries and is meant to provide clarity in terms of the various terms used to describe batteries.

Definition for vented (flooded) battery

This is the most common of automotive battery types. This type of battery has a cover with one or more openings through which gas generated by the battery may escape. A battery may also be fitted with tamper-proof plugs to prevent internal access to the battery, but will still have an arrangement to allow gas generated by the battery to escape. The battery has “free” electrolyte, which means that the acid moves freely within the battery.