GEL vs. (AGM) Sealed Lead Acid Batteries
AGM (absorbed glass mat) is a special design glass mat designed to wick the battery electrolyte between the battery plates. AGM Batteries contain only enough liquid to keep the mat wet with the electrolyte and if the battery is broken no free liquid is available to leak out.
Gel Cell batteries contain a silica type gel that the battery electrolyte is suspended in. This thick paste like material allows electrons to flow between plates but will not leak from the battery if the case is broken.
More often than not AGM Batteries are mistakenly identified as Gel Cell Batteries. Both batteries have similar traits; such as being non-spillable, may be mounted in any position, low self discharge, safe for use in limited ventilation areas, and may be transported via Air or Ground safely without special handling.
AGM Batteries are preferred when a large amount of Amps may be required. In most cases, recharge can be accomplished by using a good quality standard battery charger. The life expectancy; measured as cycle life or years remains excellent in most AGM batteries if the batteries are not discharged more than 60% between recharge and/or recharged fully every 3-6 months.
Gel Cell Batteries do not offer the same power capacity as do the same physical size AGM battery. However, the Gel Cell excels in slow discharge rates and slightly higher operating temperatures and with excellent deep cycle capability. Gel Cell Batteries are considered Deep Cycle battery by virtue of their construction. One big issue with Gel Cell Batteries that must be addressing is the CHARGE PROFILE. Gel Cell Batteries must be recharged correctly or the battery will suffer premature failure. Please refer to specification sheet for max charging current limit. Using Gel Cell chargers is highly recommended.
