FAQ & Troubleshooting

AGM stands for Absorbed Glass Mat and differs from a standard Flooded battery in that the electrolyte is held on a fibre glass mat and pressed against the active plate area, instead of being allowed to flood around the plates. This type of battery has a low internal resistance and can accept charge very quickly making it ideal for the modern start stop systems. If the battery casing should become damaged the electrolyte will not leak out.

What is EFB or ECM?

EFB stands for Enhanced Flooded Battery, ECM stands for enhanced cyclic mat, two different names for the same type of battery and both are similar in set up to a standard Flooded battery. There are some design changes with this technology, active plate material is more dense, anti-corrosion treatment for negative and positive grid and lower specific gravity to improve charge acceptance are just some of the differences. The EFB battery provides a more cost-effective battery solution over more expensive AGM type batteries.

What is CA/CA?

Calcium/Calcium batteries are a flooded low maintenance or maintenance free battery usually VRLA type. During construction some of the Antimony used in the construction is replaced by Calcium (2% approx.). The benefits are a more robust grid, low water loss and longer shelf life.

What is WET/ FLOODED?

The Flooded battery consists of a series of negative plates (sponge lead) and positive plates (Lead Dioxide) separator material and an Electrolyte solution which is approx. 65% water 35% Sulphuric acid. The flooded type of battery can be vented (which can be topped up) or VRLA which is sealed.

What is MF/VRLA?

MF or Maintenance free also known as a VRLA or Valve Regulated Battery type battery is a flooded battery with the addition of Calcium / Silver to the grid material to reduce gassing and water loss. The battery becomes a small pressure vessel by the addition of a pressure valve (instead of the vents in a standard battery) designed to retain gasses created during charging process - Hydrogen and Oxygen within the battery long enough to recombine into water, which replenishes the electrolyte level. Because of this process these batteries are also called recombination batteries.

What is GEL?

The Gel battery differs from any other lead acid battery because the electrolyte is no longer a fluid, Silica is added to create an electrolyte Gel which is applied to the active surface area of the plate. If the battery casing should become damaged the electrolyte will not leak out.

What is SPIRAL CELL?

A very distinctive looking battery, and very similar internally to the AGM battery. But instead of the plates being flat they are wound together very tightly into a cylindrical shape, which gives the battery its name Spiral cell. If the battery casing should become damaged the electrolyte will not leak out.

What is LiFePO4?

The lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery is a totally different technology from all the lead acid types mentioned previously. Due to its low weight and high-power output, it has become very popular in weight critical environments such as Powersports etc. The replacement cost of the unit at present makes its application restricted

What does SoC mean?

SoC means State of Charge and gives the state of charge as a percentage. A battery that has 11.65V (or less) is flat and has SoC 0. A battery with 12.76V (or more) is fully charged and has SoC 100.

Can you charge a lead acid battery with the Lithium mode?

No - CTEK recommend the correct charge mode be used at all times.