SLI Battery – Basic Specs and Applications

An SLI battery is a lead-acid and rechargeable type of battery that is mainly used in automobiles.SLI stands for starting,lighting, andignition. These processes are all consuming energy that is supplied by the vehicle’s battery.

The “flooded cell” type, indicating liquid electrolyte, is typically inexpensive and long-lasting, but requires more maintenance and can spill or leak. Some flooded batteries have removable caps that allow for the electrolyte to be tested and maintained.

The starting (cranking) or shallow cycle type is designed to deliver large bursts of power for a short time, as is needed to start an engine. Once the engine is started, the battery is recharged by the engine-driven charging system. Starting batteries are intended to have a low depth of discharge on each use. They are constructed of many thin plates with thin separators between the plates, and may have a higher specific gravity electrolyte to reduce internal resistance.

SLI starting battery VS. DEEP-CYCLE battery

Starting Lighting Ignition (SLI) batteries excel in high-start output where only light surface cycling takes place. The deep-cycle battery is designed for applications that require deep, repetitive amperage drain, like trolling motors, electric wheelchairs, RV house power and in-start applications where the system load exceeds the alternator output for short durations.

SLI batteries are typically used for short bursts of power, such as starting your engine or running light electrical loads. They also supply extra power when the vehicle’s electrical load exceeds the supply from the charging system (alternator) and act as a voltage stabilizer in the electrical system, evening out voltage spikes and preventing them from damaging other components in the electrical system.

High-performance car audio and emergency vehicle applications are examples of system load exceeding the alternator output. When the engine idles and the alternator output drops, the deep-cycle battery can continue to support the load with high current and then recharge fast when the engine speed and alternator output increase. Each time this happens, it is a cycle, and this can occur throughout the vehicle’s workday. Public safety vehicles, as well as commercial fleet delivery vehicles and vehicles with added aftermarket accessories find that the BCI Group 4D and8D is the right solution. Boats requiring an SLI Marine battery can benefit from the BCI Group 27Marine Staring Battery.

Read over the battery’s specifications before you add it to any machine. The current ratings must match the machine’s requirements. To be on the safe side, buying standard batteries for your application is the best choice. SLI and deep-cycle batteries have their distinct uses that ultimately improve your operation of the machine on a daily basis.

Don’t end up using the wrong battery. If in doubt which one is the right battery for you, contact our Customer Service team and get some help!