Which Optima Battery is right for you?

Which Optima Battery is right for you? RedTop, YellowTop, or BlueTop?

The REDTOP Optima is a Starting Battery: Use this for normal engine starting where an alternator immediately monitors the state of charge and provides energy to the battery whenever it is needed. This would describe most stock vehicles.

Also use for:

• Automotive and RV under-hood starting
• Heavy equipment where starting is the primary function
• Diesel-powered vehicles with no aftermarket electronics

The YELLOWTOP Optima is a Deep-Cycle Battery: Use this when electrical loads are higher than average, or when the discharge cycle is more than typical engine starting, such as vehicles without alternators. This also includes vehicles with significant electrical loads that may exceed the average alternator output (for example, aftermarket audio systems, GPS, chargers, winches, snowplows, inverters, drag cars). This can also include vehicles that have a lot of electronics from the factory, such as a minivan with power sliding doors and a DVD player, especially if the DVD player is used when the engine isn’t running.

Also use for:

• Racing vehicles without a charging system (alternator or generator)
• Dedicated drag-racing vehicles
• Diesel-powered vehicles with aftermarket electronics
• Car audio/video applications exceeding 250 watts over the OE system
• Vehicles or heavy equipment with inverters, hydraulics, winches or other accessories
• Electric vehicles

The BLUETOP Optima Marine Battery: The BLUETOP starting battery (dark gray case) is to be used when a dedicated starting battery is required; it should never be used for cycling duty. The dual-purpose BLUETOP (light gray case) can be used for both starting and deep cycling; it is a true deep-cycle battery with extremely high cranking power.

Also use for:

• Trolling motors, marine applications with heavy electrical accessories and RVs should use a dual-purpose BLUETOP (which is both a starting and deep-cycle battery)
• Marine applications and RVs when the battery’s only function is engine starting

Note: The difference between BLUETOP Optima and YELLOWTOP Optima deep-cycle batteries is that BLUETOP batteries have both automotive (SAE) posts and threaded studs, while YELLOWTOPS (other than D31T) only have SAE terminals.

If you ever get confused about the colored tops, just remember: If it has a dark gray case, then it’s a starting battery; if it has a light gray case, then it’s a deep-cycle (dual-purpose) battery.

Outback Power

Outback Power : MAKE THE POWER, STORE THE ENERGY, MANAGE THE SYSTEM 

Founded in 2001 by three engineers with a long history of developing technologies for renewable energy applications, OutBack Power's founders believed that the renewable energy industry was on the verge of unparalleled growth, driven by the emerging need for sustainable alternative sources of energy.

OutBack Power initially designed and manufactured integration hardware used by solar installers to house and protect power electronics installed in remote environments and harsh condition locations around the world. Soon the company launched an advanced line of rugged inverter products that delivered pure sinewave power for off-grid residential and commercial installations, ultimately expanding its offering to include off-grid inverters with battery backup, grid-tie inverters with battery backup, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge controllers, communications products and a complete line of OutBack EnergyCell batteries designed specifically for renewable energy applications. Over that time, we forged a reputation as the recognized leader in the design and manufacture of battery-based, off-grid renewable energy systems.

17 years later, we continue to lead the way with advanced off-grid and grid-interactive battery-based renewable energy systems, the fully UL 1741 SA listed Radian Series and FXR Series inverter/chargers and our SystemEdge packages that bundle the right combination of energy storage and power electronics, merging energy independence with smart home technology for a range of common applications.

Bottom line: If you are installing or upgrading to a battery-based renewable energy system, the Solar + Energy Storage Experts at OutBack Power are the only choice.

And now, you can build a package of solar modules, racking, batteries, and Outback Power products all at Battery Sales USA!

ACDelco Professional Automotive AGM Batteries

ACDelco Professional Automotive AGM Batteries have high cycling capabilities, are remarkably charge-receptive, and are necessary for ‘start/stop’ vehicle applications. The Absorbed Glass Mat design is 100% leak and spill proof because the Electrolyte is permanently held in the glass mat separator instead of free flowing within each cell. Oxygen recombination minimizes water loss and reassures maintenance-free performance. ACDelco Professional Automotive AGM Batteries also have a 36 month Free Replacement Period.

ACDelco Professional 34AGM Battery

ACDelco Professional 47AGM Battery

ACDelco Professional 48AGM Battery

ACDelco Professional 49AGM Battery

ACDelco Professioal 65AGM Battery

ACDelco Professional 78AGM Battery

ACDelco Professional 94RAGM Battery

AIMS POWER INVERTERS

AIMS POWER INVERTERS

MODIFIED POWER INVERTERS

PURE SINE WAVE INVERTER CHARGERS

Battery Sales USA, Inc / Solar Sales USA, Inc is proud to be a Master Distributor for Aims Power Inverters. The products listed in these pages are stocking items, if there is something you are looking for and not on these pages, please email sales@batterysales.com for product pricing and availability. AIMS Power has been an industry leader in power inverter products since 2001. AIMS is your complete source for DC to AC power inverters. We strive to carry the most complete line of DC power inverters available today. The engineers work hard to make power inverters that meet a variety of customer needs. 

Inverters for any application; commercial inverters, industrial inverters, consumer power inverters, and power inverters for cars and whole house inverters. AIMS power is an industry leader in DC power conversion, they are consistently developing innovative products for use in green energy applications and in mobile businesses around the globe. Specialty is DC to AC power inverters, the complete line of DC to AC inverters include; 12 Volt Power Inverters, 24 Volt Power inverters, and 48 Volt Power Inverters – available in Modified Sine Wave Inverters and Pure Sine Wave Inverters. 

AIMS Power produces a complete line of modified sine wave power inverters and pure sine wave power inverters. In addition, there is a full line of power inverters with built in chargers and transfer switches. The inverter chargers can be used in 50Hz & 60Hz systems, the export power inverter line is perfect for the Caribbean Islands, South America, Central America, Africa, Europe, and Australian markets. Perfect for off-grid renewable energy applications. 

Real World Applications for DC to AC Power Inverters: Inside a work truck to power computers, tools and other electronic equipment, Providing power on remote job sites, In off-grid cabins and sheds, Powering small devices, In industrial vehicles to power x-ray machines and large compressors, Power Inverters are commonly used for AC power in RVs and boats, For emergency back-up power in the home or office. 

AIMS POWER PURE SINE INVERTER CHARGERS

AIMS POWER MODIFIED INVERTER CHARGER - 1500WATT/12VOLT

China is having an effect on battery prices in the U.S.

You may be aware by now that over the past few months the lead acid battery industry has been impacted fairly substantially by government-imposed actions in China. Most notable have been the stricter enforcement of environmental regulations and the implementation of more stringent requirements. There have also been periodic mandatory shutdowns due to power shortages. The end result is reduced productivity and higher costs.

Also contributing to increased manufacturing costs are rising salaries/wages, insurance, and fuel as well as continued currency valuation adjustments. For these reasons, battery manufacturers have found it necessary to adjust prices accordingly. We are thankful that lead costs have remained reasonably stable and does not appear to be a factor in price changes at this time.

New lead acid battery prices will be handed out by Yuasa, Power-Sonic, Enersys, and several other sealed lead acid manufactures whose product comes from China. Stay tuned! www.batterysales.com - your source for automotive, commercial, industrial, marine, and special application batteries.

Determining the Cause of Battery Failure

Determining the Cause of Battery Failure:

Factors which are important in determining cause of battery failure are battery application, installation, service history, battery condition, and age. The answers to the following questions will aid in making an accurate determination:

Battery Application & Installation

1. Is the battery being used in the application for which it was designed, i.e. automotive, truck, tractor, bus, marine, golf cart, electric, or recreational vehicle? For example, an automotive battery used in heavy duty or deep cycle service is an obvious misapplication.




2. Is the battery sized properly for the application? Is the Cranking Performance rating at least equal to vehicle original equipment requirements?




3. Does the vehicle have excessive electrical accessory requirements, particularly those which are not original equipment, e.g. add-on air conditioning, radio, winch, or other accessories? If so, a battery with greater performance may be required.




4. Does the hold-down hardware fit the battery properly and is it properly adjusted? Does the battery's BCI group size match the vehicle's OE requirements or equivalent?




5. Do the battery cables fit the battery terminals properly and are they properly adjusted and cleaned? Have the terminals been converted from size to top terminal or vice versa and is there proper clearance for terminals from metallic parts?

Service History of the Battery:

Obtaining the service history of the battery and any history of problems from the owner may help in determining the cause of failure.

1. Has the battery been used in vehicles or applications other than the present one? Other applications may have adversely affected battery life.




2. Has the vehicle's electrical system been repaired or altered recently (very common to the cause of battery failure) and is it in proper operating condition? Charging system operation has a significant effect on battery life.




3. Has the vehicle been driven regularly or has it been parked for a lengthy period of time? Batteries self-discharge with time; extended periods of undercharge may have a detrimental effect on battery life.




4. Has the vehicle been difficult to start for any reason? Starting problems may have placed excessive loads on the battery or may indicate an undersized battery.




5. Has the battery required frequent water additions in one or more cells? Excessive water loss in all cells may indicate overcharging, a worn out battery, or both.

Visual Inspection

Visual inspection of the battery may reveal signs of abuse which may have caused failure.

1. Do the terminals show signs of having been hammered, twisted or driven down into the cover? Even minor abuse can cause internal damage.




2. Does the container or cover show signs of stress, breakage, high temperature, or vibration damage which might have caused leakage in internal damage?




3. Are the vents installed properly and are they plugged with foreign material? Improperly installed, missing, or plugged vents can be a cause of explosions, leakage or contamination.




4. Is there excessive build-up of acid or foreign material on the cover? A build-up of foreign material mixed with acid around or between the posts can cause high self-discharge rates or inadequate re-charge.




5. Are electrolyte levels below the tops of the plates in any cells? This could indicate overcharging, lack of maintenance, or internal shorts.




6. Is the electrolyte cloudy, discolored, or contaminated with foreign material? Cloudy electrolyte can indicate active material spalling due to overcharge or vibration. Electrolyte contamination can cause high self-discharge rates and poor performance.




7. Are the separators cracked or broken below the vent openings? Misuse of hydrometers or other tools could cause cell shorts.




8. Are alternate plates dark and light colored? In a charged cell, the positive plates should be dark in color and the negative plates light. If all plates are very light, severe undercharging could be indicated.

Battery Age & Date Coding

The battery's age can be an important factor in determining the cause of failure. The length of time in service determines whether the battery failed prematurely or had simply worn out. All battery manufacturers date their poduct by stamping a date code into the cover or container. This code can be used to dermin the actual age of the battery. The individual manufacturers should be consulted regarding their specific date codes.

More important is the date the battery was sold. This date determines the time the battery has been in service. The date of purchase on all battery bought at Battery Sales is indicated on a dater label with a letter and number combination, e.g. A1 would indicate January 2011.

Overcharging and Undercharging Batteries

The vehicle's charging system can have a profound effect upon the life of a battery. A high voltage regulator setting can cause excessive gassing and water loss, thermal runaway, and eventual damage to plates and separators. We often see these on vintage sports cars. This is extremely common when replacing a lead-acid battery with a sealed gel battery. Gel batteries are constantly being overcharged and failing because of the voltage regulator. If the voltage regulator setting is too low, there is a high resistance in the charging circuit, or the charging system is not capable of handling the accessory load the battery will be in a constant state of discharge. If this happens over a long period of time, the sulfate which deposits on the plates can become hard and crystallize. In this form, the plates may not accept a charge under normal conditions and may even cause short circuits through the separators due to a build-up of lead sulfate through the pores which is converted to lead shorts during recharge.

Voltage regulator settings vary among vehicle manufactures and may not be adjustable. They should be checked with the indivdual manufacturer before adjustment is atempted. Different battery types using different grid alloys and manufacturing processes may require different charging methods; this includes Lead Acid Batteries, AGM Batteries, and GEL Batteries.

Know you Battery

It's summer and if your a avid follower you know that your battery is becoming hydrated and may be on the verge of needing a replacement. Average life of a battery in miami is about 3 to 4 yrs so if you bought a car between 2006-2007 your battery needs to be replaced. BUT! do you know the type of battery that goes into the car?


Taking the top 10 most popular cars in 2006 and 2007 we have provided you with a guide to sure help when purchasing your next battery.


CAR: 2006 2007
MINI COOPER 47 47

PONTIAC SOLSTICE 86 86

LEXUS RX 400 51R 51R

SCION XA 25

SMART FORTWO 47 47

SCION XB 25 24F

SCION TC 24 24

TOYOTA CAMRY ENGINE L4 35
ENGINE V6 24F
2007 ENGINE L4 35
2007 ENGINE V6 24F


NISSAN ALTIMA 24F GAS 35
HYBRID 34


TOYOTA CAROLLA 35 35

TOYTA YARIS 35 35

HONDA ACCORD
ENGINE L4 51R
ENGINE V6 35

2007 ENGINE L4 51R
2007 ENGINE V6 35

HONDA FIT 151R 151R

FORD FOCUS 40R 96R

HONDA CIVIC 51R 51R





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Summer months Bring summer heat!

It seems that on average a battery's life can range between 3 to 5 years, but this heavily depends on the care and maintenance through out it's life span. In order to maximize the life span ignoring the summer months is not an option.

Through out the summer, the constant heat has the ability to stress and cook batteries. This is especially important to all my native Floridians, [and other warm weather folks]. Summer temperatures usually range from 90*-104* degrees, but adding engine heat that is tramped under and metal hood, temperature surrounding your car battery can be as high as 140* degrees.


Most people believe that winter is the time of year the most strain is on the battery but what most do not realize is heat evaporates the fluid within the battery aging it and speeding up the corrosion process. Summer's heat kill batteries 30% faster then winter's cold temperature. AcDelco mentioned, batteries in Florida have a life span of 33 months unlike our cold weather friends in Michigan where their batteries are lasting 50 months!

So, instead of running the risk of being stranded in the summer months, The time of year where AAA receives the most calls for jumps, or towing because of a failed battery, Prepare to purchase a new battery during the spring!



TIPS:

Ways to extend battery life

• test your battery twice a year


• inspect for any physical damage


• check for corrosion, clean if present


• Don't ignore warning signs!!

Warning signs to look for:

• if the car is rather old it can cause a strain on the battery


• traveling short distances can shorten life


• starting and stopping constantly


• sometimes dimming headlights or interior lights may be a cause for concern


• if the battery is over 3 years old GET IT TESTED!


• if it is over 4 years old.... REPLACE

Don't know how to test your battery bring it in and we can do it! Need to purchase a new battery? bring it in and we can do it!

Have questions about batteries? ASK AWAY WE CAN HELP!

check out http://www.batterysales.com/



or call 305-891-8355

FOR YOU BATTERY NEEDS!



INTERNATIONAL EXPORTS WELCOMED!

Battery Test & Charging Procedures

FILLER CAP BATTERY:

When using an Ac Delco filler cap battery start with a visual inspection. If there are any physical damage present replace the battery. If there are no apparent damage to the battery then proceed to check on its electrolyte levels.

Physical damages to look out for:

• Cracked or broken
• Severe corrosion
• Cracked or Broken container

Fluid should be above top of plates in all cells. But make sure no spark or open flame is near while the caps are off. If this is so then proceed to Specific gravity check.

If the fluid levels are below the plates then add water, replace vent caps, and charge the battery for 15 min. at 15-25 amps to mix electrolyte. and then proceed to Specific gravity check.

SPECIFIC GRAVITY CHECK:

Hydrometer reading of all cells should be at least 1.224 and show less than 0.050 between high and low, at electrolyte temperature of 80*F

if there is more then a 0.050 difference replace the battery. Less then that, and some batteries may read less then 1.225: recharge battery. Replace vent caps, use rate less then 50 amps, until cells measure proper specific gravity. If charging does not adjust the specific gravity to the proper level replace the battery.

MAINTENANCE FREE:

As with the Filler cap battery when dealing with a Maintenance free battery it is important to start with a visual inspection. If there is any physical damage present it is a sure indicator that the battery should be replaced.

damage to look for:

• cracked or broken cover
• hydrometer
• cracked or broken container
• check terminal area for loose or broken parts.

Checking the hydrometer marine battery

The indicator is temperater-compensated hydrometer. In normal operation, one of two indication appears:

• Green dot visable- battey is ready for load test. DO NOT CHARGE

Replace the battery if the dot apears to be clear, or light yellow and if a cranking complaint exists that is caused by the battery.

Dark no dot visible- recharge until green dot shows. shake or tilt battery to obtain green dot. A battery that has set in a completly discharged condition or is extremly cold may not accept current for serveral hours after starting the charger.

ELECTRICAL LOAD TEST:

Once all the visual inspections, gravity check or hydrometer checking takes place doing a load test is important, as checking voltage only shows part of the situation. Testing the load should be preformed to access the entire situation accuratly. Most common way to conduct a load test is with a carbon pile load tester. Batteries can be tested inside or outside of the vehicle.

check out www.batterysales.com



or call 305-891-8355

FOR YOU BATTERY NEEDS!



INTERNATIONAL EXPORTS WELCOMED!