1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective use of your SigmasTek SP12-12 12 Volt 12 AmpH Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA) Battery. Please read these instructions carefully before installation, operation, or maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the battery.
2. Safety Information
Always observe the following safety precautions when handling batteries:
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and gloves.
- Do not short-circuit the battery terminals.
- Keep the battery away from open flames, sparks, and heat sources.
- Do not disassemble, puncture, or incinerate the battery.
- Charge the battery in a well-ventilated area.
- In case of accidental contact with electrolyte, flush with water immediately and seek medical attention.
- Dispose of batteries according to local regulations.
3. Product Overview
The SigmasTek SP12-12 is a 12 Volt, 12 AmpH Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA) battery featuring Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) technology. It is designed for maintenance-free operation with a spill-proof construction, making it suitable for various applications such as UPS systems, emergency lighting, scooters, wheelchairs, and medical devices.
Figure 1: SigmasTek SP12-12 12V 12Ah SLA Battery. This image displays the battery unit, highlighting the SigmasTek branding, model number SP12-12 (12V12AH/T2), and key charging instructions printed on its side. The F2 terminals are visible on the top.
4. Setup and Installation
Follow these steps for proper installation:
- Inspection: Before installation, visually inspect the battery for any signs of damage, such as cracks, leaks, or deformed terminals. Do not install a damaged battery.
- Compatibility: Ensure the battery's voltage (12V) and capacity (12Ah) are compatible with your device's requirements. Verify that the F2 terminal type matches your existing connectors.
- Orientation: Install the battery in an upright position. While SLA batteries are spill-proof, maintaining an upright position is recommended for optimal performance and safety.
- Connections: Connect the positive (+) terminal of the battery to the positive lead of your device and the negative (-) terminal to the negative lead. Ensure connections are secure and tight to prevent arcing or poor performance.
- Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation around the battery, especially during charging, to dissipate any heat.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Charging the Battery
Proper charging is crucial for the lifespan and performance of your SLA battery. Use a charger specifically designed for 12V Sealed Lead-Acid batteries.
- Floating Use (Standby): For applications where the battery is continuously connected to a power source and used as a backup, maintain a constant voltage between 13.5V and 13.8V.
- Cycle Use (Deep Discharge/Recharge): For applications involving regular discharge and recharge cycles, charge the battery at a voltage between 14.4V and 15.0V.
- Initial Current: The initial charging current should not exceed 0.3CA (0.3 times the Amp-hour rating). For a 12Ah battery, this means a maximum initial current of 3.6 Amperes.
- Avoid overcharging or undercharging, as both can significantly reduce battery life.
6. Maintenance
The SigmasTek SP12-12 battery is designed to be maintenance-free. However, following these guidelines will help ensure its longevity:
- Keep Clean: Periodically clean the battery terminals and casing with a dry cloth to remove dust and dirt. Ensure terminals are free of corrosion.
- Temperature: Store and operate the battery within recommended temperature ranges (typically 20°C to 25°C or 68°F to 77°F) for optimal performance. Extreme temperatures can affect battery life.
- Storage: If storing the battery for an extended period, ensure it is fully charged and recharge it every 3-6 months to prevent deep discharge, which can cause irreversible damage.
- Avoid Deep Discharge: Do not allow the battery to discharge completely for prolonged periods. Recharge promptly after use.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your battery, consider the following:
- Battery Not Holding Charge:
- Verify the charger is functioning correctly and is compatible with SLA batteries.
- Check charging voltage and current settings against the specifications in Section 5.1.
- Ensure connections are secure and free of corrosion.
- The battery may have reached the end of its service life.
- Reduced Run Time:
- This often indicates a decrease in battery capacity, which can occur over time or due to improper charging/discharging habits.
- Ensure the battery is fully charged before each use.
- Overheating During Charge:
- Check if the charging current exceeds the recommended 0.3CA.
- Ensure adequate ventilation around the battery.
- Disconnect immediately if the battery becomes excessively hot.
If troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, contact SigmasTek customer support or a qualified technician.
8. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | SP12-12 |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Capacity | 12 Ampere-hours (Ah) |
| Battery Type | Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA) with AGM Technology |
| Terminal Type | F2 |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 5.95 x 3.86 x 3.7 inches (15.11 x 9.80 x 9.40 cm) |
| Weight | 8 pounds (3.63 kg) |
| Floating Use Voltage | 13.5V ~ 13.8V |
| Cycle Use Voltage | 14.4V ~ 15.0V |
| Max Initial Charging Current | 0.3CA (3.6 Amperes for 12Ah) |
| Recommended Applications | UPS, Emergency Lighting, Scooters, Wheelchairs, Medical Devices |
9. Warranty and Support
The SigmasTek SP12-12 battery comes with a 1-year warranty from the date of purchase, covering manufacturing defects. This warranty does not cover damage resulting from misuse, improper installation, overcharging, deep discharge, or normal wear and tear.
For technical support, warranty claims, or further assistance, please visit the official SigmasTek website or contact your retailer.
Official Website: www.sigmastek.com
