Understanding the difference between STD vs AGM battery types is important for owners of these deep-cycle batteries with similar appearance and chemistry.
There is much confusion between the two batteries, especially in terms of their composition, function, and costs. We’ll clear up these confusions by providing the differences between the two types of batteries in this guide so you can know their key features and choose the right one for your needs.
| Features | STD Battery | AGM Battery |
| Charging | Requires higher voltage | Requires low voltage |
| Application | Cars and vehicles | Military aircraft, golf carts, vehicles, and motorcycles that use heavy-duty power |
| Price | Affordable | More expensive |
Contents
What Are the Differences Between STD and AGM Battery Charging?
The main difference between STD and AGM battery charging is that AGM batteries only need low voltage to charge, while STD requires a higher voltage. Also, to charge the AGM batteries, you’ll need to use chargers that are designed specially for these types of batteries.
Basically, AGM batteries feature a glass mat separator that can prevent sulfate crystals from forming over the lead plates, as this can further inhibit charging. With that, it’s important to ensure that the charger you use is only designed for an AGM battery.
Another thing to make sure is that the charger is one that features a setting for voltage adjustment to ensure that voltage is within the required limits. This is to avoid undercharging or overcharging the battery, which can lower its lifespan or cause irreversible damage.
In addition to the differences in their charging, there are other factors that differentiate the two batteries. These factors include durability, DoD, uses, spills, and maintenance. We’ll go deeper into each of these factors to help you understand better.
– Method of Charging
Charging is a main factor to consider before choosing between standard lead acid batteries and AGM batteries. This determines the time taken for each battery to charge. Generally, AGM batteries charge at a faster rate than STD batteries, and this is because they have low internal resistance.
Lower internal resistance is an indication that the battery will absorb energy at a faster rate from the charge every second. This ultimately results in an increased charging speed. Another thing to note is that the AGM battery and STD battery can both use the standard battery chargers.
– Durability
The durability of both batteries is equally an important factor to consider. AGM batteries are widely known for their longevity and durability. They are designed to stay resistant to chemical corrosion, which makes them last longer than standard batteries. AGM batteries are also designed to effectively handle changes in humidity and temperature, which further increases their durability in different environments.
However, a common challenge with flooded batteries is that forceful movements and heavy vibrations can cause pressure on the batteries. Ultimately, this can damage the plates, thereby creating cases that cause leakage and corrosion to occur. To prevent this from occurring, it’s advisable to safely mount the battery on a stable surface. If you’re after getting a battery that will last long without the need for frequent maintenance or replacement, the option to get is the AGM battery.
– Maintenance
When it comes to the context of maintenance, AGM batteries are easier to maintain than lead acid. This is because they don’t have any liquid electrolytes in them, and you won’t have to worry about leakage or corrosion. AGM batteries are generally regarded as maintenance-free batteries.
On the other hand, the standard battery contains liquid electrolytes. With that being said, you’ll need to perform frequent top-offs using deionized or distilled water. This might be a difficult process in some cases, and people tend to forget about it, especially when they are traveling on a long trip.
– Application
The two batteries can be applied in many ways, including for power generation and automotive use. Both batteries have high resistance and can withstand high temperatures. This is why they are the preferred choice for use in places with high-temperature conditions.
Lead-acid batteries are mostly applied in vehicles where they are placed in an upright position. On the other hand, AGM batteries can be used in vehicles, motorcycles, military aircraft, golf carts, and other heavy-duty power equipment.
– Depth of Discharge
Another important factor to consider is the depth of discharge. In general, the two batteries can supply power for different applications, but AGM batteries offer a reduced discharge rate when compared to standard batteries. This implies that they tend to offer this power for a more sustained period than the standard batteries.
When comparing the two batteries with respect to their depth of discharge, AGM takes the lead in terms of longevity and performance. Therefore, if you’re looking for a battery that will provide stable power over an extended period of time, AGM is the best option to consider.
– Spills
Convenience and reliability are vital features everyone looks out for in car batteries. In this case, AGM battery supersedes standard batteries because they are sealed, and you won’t need to always place them in an upright position. Also, they are a lot easier to use, install and transport.
Basically, the AGM battery is a smart choice for anyone in need of a more reliable and efficient energy storage solution. On the other hand, lead acid batteries feature a removable cover which increases their susceptibility to spillages. Ultimately, this can cause corrosion or other damage to surrounding components.
What Are STD Batteries’ Characteristics and Specifications?
STD batteries’ characteristics and specifications include a positive and negative plate within the liquid electrolyte solution. The electrolyte solution is composed of sulfuric acid and water, and it is a reaction between the ions of both substances that trigger the formation and delivery of electrical currents.
Standard batteries are also called standard or flooded lead acid batteries, and they are a key component you’ll find in many devices today. They are mostly used in motorcycles, mowers, trucks, and golf cars. These batteries are sealed and don’t usually require maintenance. The batteries feature a strong plastic case that covers the lead-acid cells, which is also filled with the electrolyte solution that enhances the flow of charges between each electrode.
– Benefits of STD Batteries
They are one of the most popular batteries on the market today, and this is because of the benefits they offer. Apart from being widely applied on a range of devices and vehicles,
other benefits they offer include the following:
- The batteries are easy to find and available in most stores selling marine and automotive supplies.
- They are designed to offer impressive performance in cold weather conditions, which makes them a nice option to use during winter.
- STD batteries are among the most affordable you’ll find on the market.
However, there are a few factors to note about these batteries, among which include the fact that they have a shorter lifespan and you’ll need to get a replacement within three years. Also, they are prone to leaking if not maintained properly, and this can damage their surroundings.
– Brief History
One of the interesting things about the battery is that they have a long, rich history. They were discovered in 1859 by Plante, who was researching to find ways to enhance the generation of electrical current.
This led to the discovery that some compounds could react more efficiently and produce electrical charges. Following further research, the lead acid battery was developed, and this is now widely applied in rechargeable batteries today.
What Are AGM Batteries’ Characteristics and Specifications?
AGM batteries’ characteristics and specifications include an absorbed glass mat separator between the lead plates. This is used in place of the liquid electrolyte in standard batteries, and it helps to prevent leakages. They are the ideal option for situations with high shaking vibration resistance.
One of the prominent selling points of this battery is that they are ideal for cases where weight is a critical factor. That is why you’ll mostly find these batteries in racing or sports vehicles. In addition, the batteries are also the ideal option for ATVs and RVs due to their vibration resistance.
Basically, AGM batteries offer a range of other advantages over conventional lead-acid batteries. For example, you can install these batteries in any direction without fear of spillage or leakages. Also, the batteries are properly sealed, which lowers the level of maintenance required.
– Benefits of AGM Batteries
Absorbed glass mat batteries are relatively new in the market, and they are becoming popular at a fast rate. They are usually used on RVs, boats, cars, and other vehicles. Sometimes, they are used as an alternative option for power supply.
The benefits of using AGM batteries include the following:
- The batteries have a long lifespan and can last up to five years.
- AGM batteries don’t require regular maintenance, like adding water regularly to the cells.
- They are lighter and easy to install.
On the flip side, these batteries are more expensive than standard batteries. They are also less reliable for use in winter conditions, and another thing to note is that these batteries are not as widely available as standard batteries.
– Brief History
The battery was founded in 1985 and has then grown to become one of the most popular options for vehicles. This is due to their long lifespan, resistance to wear and tear temperature resistance, and high efficiency. AGM batteries are designed with technology that allows them to effectively regulate the amount of oxygen and hydrogen gas that escapes when it is being charged.
With that, the battery can easily store more power without causing any harm to the cells within the battery. AGM batteries are also durable, and with these batteries, you can rest assured that your vehicle will run smoothly for many years.
Conclusion
We have compared the two batteries in this article, and their main difference is that AGM uses a lower voltage to charge, and it is charger specific, unlike standard batteries. This is the main reason why most people prefer to use AGM batteries.
However, choosing between the two batteries completely depends on individual preferences and specific needs. The two types of batteries offer their own advantages and disadvantages and are ideal for different conditions.
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