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| Terminology |
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| Click the image to zoom |
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| Active Material |
| Chemically active compounds in a cell or battery that convert from one composition to another while producing current (electrical energy) or accepting current from an external circuit. |
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| Battery Polarity |
| A battery has two poles or posts. The positive battery post is usually marked POS, P, or + and is larger than the negative post which is usually marked NEG, N, or -. The polarity of the charger and the battery must always match to avoid damage to the battery and charger. |
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| Cell |
| The basic electrochemical current-producing unit in a battery consisting of a set of positive plates, negative plates, electrolyte, separators and casing. There are six cells in a 12-volt lead-acid battery. |
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| Container |
| The polypropylene or hard rubber case which holds the plates, straps and electrolyte. |
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| Cover |
| The lid for the case/container. |
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| Electrolyte |
| A solution of sulfuric acid and water which conducts current through the movement of ions (charged particles in the electrolyte solution) between positive and negative plates. It supplies sulfate ions for reaction with the active material of both positive and negative plates. |
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| Grids |
| A lead alloy framework that supports the active material of a battery plate and conducts current |
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| Ground |
| The reference potential of a circuit. In automotive use, the result of attaching one battery cable to the body or frame which is used as a path for completing a circuit in lieu of a direct wire from a component. Today, over 99% of autos use the negative terminal of the battery as the ground |
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| Intercell connections |
| Connections between the straps of two cells, positive of one cell to the negative of the next. |
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| Open Circuit Voltage (O.C.V.) |
| The voltage of a battery when it is not delivering or receiving power. It is 2.11 volts for a fully charged battery cell. |
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| Plates |
| Flat, typically rectangular components that contain the active material and a mechanical support structure called a grid, which also has an electrical function, carrying electrons to and from the active material. Plates are either positive or negative, depending on the active material they hold. |
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| Separators |
| Porous plastic, electrically insulating sheets which allow transfer of ions between plates, but prevent physical contact between plates and resulting electronic conduction |
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| State of Charge |
| Use this chart to determine the State of Charge for a Deep Cycle Battery |
| State of Charge |
Specific Gravity |
Voltage - 12 Volt Battery |
| 100% |
1.265 |
12.7 |
| 75% |
1.225 |
12.4 |
| 50% |
1.19 |
12.2 |
| 25% |
1.155 |
12.1 |
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| Straps |
| Lead alloy castings that connect a number of same polarity plates together in a cell and carry current |
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| Terminals |
| The electrical connection from the battery to the external circuit. Each terminal is connected to either the first (positive) or last strap (negative) in the series connection of cells in a battery. |
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| BIC Vents |
| Components that allow gasses to exit the battery while retaining the electrolyte within the case. Can be permanently fixed to the cover or removable, depending on battery design |
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