What is the difference between AGM and Gel batteries?

While both are sealed lead acid, they use different electrolytes. AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) is the industry standard for most standby and cycling applications because it handles high currents well and is cost-effective. Gel batteries use a silica-gel electrolyte that is more resistant to vibration, extreme heat, and deep discharge damage, but they are more sensitive to charging voltage. Use Gel for tough environments, but always check your charger compatibility first.

Can I use a Deep Cycle battery in a UPS?

You can, but it's not optimized for it. A high-rate battery will give you more runtime during a high-load outage. Conversely, using a UPS battery in a deep-cycle application (like a scooter) will kill the battery very quickly.

Why is Lithium considered "Best" if it costs more?

It comes down to "Total Cost of Ownership." You might buy 5 lead-acid batteries over a 5-year period, paying for labor to swap them each time. Or, you could buy 1 Lithium battery that lasts the whole 5 years with zero maintenance.

My battery is swollen. What happened?

Swelling is typically caused by overcharging or misuse—most commonly using a General Purpose battery in a Deep Cycle application. The battery overheats, gas builds up, and the case expands. Remove it from service immediately.

Do you recycle old commercial batteries?

Yes. We offer robust recycling programs for businesses, ensuring your old lead-acid batteries are disposed of in full compliance with environmental regulations.

Buying Guide:
SLA Batteries

What is an SLA Battery

Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries are long-lasting, rechargeable power sources used in homes and businesses. Unlike traditional lead-acid batteries, SLA batteries are fully sealed and leak-proof, making them ideal for both standby and deep-cycle applications.

Common Uses for SLA Batteries

SLA batteries are widely used in:

Fire and security alarm systems – Reliable backup power to keep alarms functional during outages.
Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) – Essential for protecting computers and critical electronics.
Emergency lighting – Ensures lights stay on during power failures.
Medical equipment – Powers mobility scooters, CPAP machines, and other life-supporting devices.
Sump pumps – Prevents basement flooding during storms and blackouts.
Children’s ride-on toys – Provides long-lasting energy for electric toy cars and scooters.

Whether you need a backup power solution or a reliable deep-cycle battery, SLA batteries offer consistent performance and durability for a variety of essential applications.

SLA Battery Types

installing an SLA battery into an emergency light

General Purpose SLA batteries are the workhorses. Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) SLA batteries offer great versatility, making them perfect for a wide range of household and commercial applications. General Purpose SLA batteries are the perfect balance between power delivery and lifespan, making them a great choice for many everyday applications.

Popular Applications

Fire & Security

UPS Battery Backups

Sump Pumps

Emergency Lighting

Top SLA Battery Brands

Batteries Plus carries a large selection of SLA batteries from brands you know and trust.

A brand you can count on,
Duracell Ultra SLA batteries are held to the highest standards in materials and construction.
Shop Duracell Ultra

A trusted name for over 50 years,
supplying a wide range of battery products from SLA to Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4).
Shop Power Sonic

When you demand the best;
combining high performance with long life. This is the solution you need.
Shop X2Power

Exclusively for business accounts.
Everyday low price SLA. Created with Fire & Security in mind.
Log in and Shop

Shop All SLA Batteries

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Maintaining SLA Batteries

Duracell Ultra SLA battery charger

Use The Correct Charger

One of the most important things you can do to get the most out of your SLA battery is to have good charging habits. Using the appropriate charger for your specific battery chemistry is paramount.

Gel Batteries - use charger designed for GEL
AGM Batteries - use charger designed for AGM
Lithium Batteries - use charger designed for Lithium

Here at Batteries Plus we also carry X2Power automatic universal chargers that you can use for any of the above battery chemistries.

SLA battery with corrosion

Keep SLA Batteries Clean

Dirt and corrosion can interfere with the connection between the battery and the connectors that connect the battery to the application.

If you notice corrosion forming on the battery terminal, use a mixture of 1 Tablespoon baking soda and 1 Cup water along with a wire brush to scrub the terminals (and connectors) clean.

You can also use battery terminal cleaner available at your local Batteries Plus.

After scrubbing the terminals clean, spray them with terminal protection spray to help prevent any new corrosion from forming.

Charging SLA Battery Tips

Never overcharge batteries. Speeding up the charge by increasing the voltage will generate too much heat and quickly destroy your battery.

Disconnect the charge as soon as the battery is full. (If you are using an automatic charger, the charger will shut off automatically when the battery is full.)

Charge batteries after every use.

Avoid undercharging batteries. Undercharging batteries will result in short battery life creating sulfation inside the battery.

From the Blog

At home or at the office, you probably have an SLA battery powering something important. Keep reading to learn about these incredibly common batteries, what they are used for and how Batteries Plus can help you or your business with your SLA needs.

UPS with battery and connectivity status

Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries are everywhere. Learn more about what these popular batteries are used for and how to pick the right one for your device. Get a sneak peek into the new lithium alternatives available from X2Power.

If you are concerned that your batteries aren't lasting as long as they should, your charging habits could be a large part of the problem. Read and print out our SLA charging best practices to ensure you are helping extend the life of the battery.

Have you wondered how a battery works? Get the full story on SLA batteries, including how they react chemically to produce power. Learn how to recharge SLA batteries, plus get a preview of the many types of SLA batteries available at Batteries Plus.

Employee holding a sla battery talking to a customer

Power continuity is critical for industrial infrastructure. Learn the nuances of SLA battery maintenance, from High Rate discharge to deep cycle management, to ensure your business systems remain reliable and efficient during grid failures.

Not all SLA batteries are created equal. Let Batteries Plus guide you through the four main types of Sealed Lead Acid batteries to find the perfect fit and save your business thousands in premature replacement costs.

FAQs

Where can I recycle an SLA Battery?

You're in luck! Your nearby Batteries Plus will work with you to recycle all your batteries, including SLA batteries.

How long do SLA batteries last?

In general, an SLA battery can last between 50-300 cycles. To extend the life of your battery, never store the battery in a discharged or partially charged state. Be sure to recharge it before storage.

What is the shelf life of a sealed lead acid battery?

Generally speaking, an SLA battery can last 6 months to 1 year on a shelf at 77℉ (25℃). All batteries naturally discharge over time, even when they aren't being used. SLA batteries will self-discharge at a rate of around 3% a month.

We recommend checking and charging SLA batteries every three months to keep them at a healthy level.

What do I do when my sealed lead acid battery is swollen?

Remove the swollen battery from the equipment right away. Swelling is caused by overcharging; if left unchecked, it can cause permanent damage to the battery or your equipment. Replace it immediately at your local Batteries Plus and have us dispose of the old one for you.

Does Batteries Plus offer order discounts?

We do!

Buying Guide:
SLA Batteries