What is Battery Voltage? Why the Voltage of Your Battery Matters
Whether you’re planning an electrical system in your RV, fishing boat or golf cart or are trouble shooting your power system, having an understanding of your battery’s voltage is important. We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about battery voltage!
What is battery voltage? Simply put, battery voltage is the force of electricity between two points in an electrical circuit, such as a battery and a device connected to the battery.
Yet such a fundamental aspect of our daily lives is often overlooked and misunderstood. In this post, we explore the basic concepts of battery voltage, types, safety considerations and best practices to ensure optimal battery performance.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Battery voltage is the difference in electrical potential between two terminals, determined by chemical reactions within cells.
- Different types of batteries have different voltages and require understanding for optimal performance and safety.
- Proper charging best practices are essential to maintain battery voltage and extend its life.
What Is Battery Voltage
Battery voltage is defined scientifically as the difference in electrical potential between the positive and negative terminals of a battery, created by either an excess or lack of electrons. In other words, it is the pressure pushing electrons from one point to another.
You can think of it like a spring inside of the battery. The more the spring is pushed down, the greater potential it has to expand when released. At this point the spring will push outward with a force based on how far down it was pushed, or its potential energy.
This fundamental characteristic of batteries is crucial for determining the amount of power they can supply, the necessary voltage for certain electronics and devices and their charge state.
Another way you can think of voltage is as pressure in a water hose, pushing water through the hose. It is not the actual flow of water. This is another term, current (measured in amps). Rather, voltage is the force that pushes the water through the hose.
There are different voltages for different kind of electrical systems, ranging on the low end from 12-48 volt direct current (DC) systems to 110V, 220V and higher in alternating current (AC) residential applications.
The higher the voltage, the more electricity is being pushed through the wires in a closed circuit. Think about the force of a stream of water hitting you with a high amount of pressure, such as from a pressure washer.
Lower voltages, such as those found in battery-powered devices, are not necessarily harmful. In fact, voltages under 50 volts are considered safe by OSHA.
However, the electric current that flows through higher voltages - such as those in residential electrical grids and in power lines, are necessarily dangerous.
How Devices and Appliances Handle Voltage
A device that functions at 12 volts requires that a battery delivers 12 volts with very little voltage variation. Most batteries that are used in RV, boating and golf cart applications are either a 12 volt battery or a multiplier of such at 24V, 36V or 48V.
In the water analogy, consider windmills that require different amounts of water pressure pushing against them. A small windmill (low voltage) will not require much pressure to make it move. And a larger windmill will require much more water pressure to make it move.
However, if that same small pressure is applied to the large windmill, the large windmill will not operate.
Different batteries have different voltages, depending on the chemical reactions taking place within the cells. These reactions are responsible for generating the electrical potential or voltage, which powers our devices.
As we explore various types of batteries and their associated voltages, it becomes evident that the world of batteries is complex, yet fascinating, and voltage is right in the middle of it alongside current and wattage.
How Batteries Generate Voltage
Batteries generate voltage through a chemical process involving anodes, cathodes, an electrolyte, a separator and a circuit. The circuit serves to connect the anode and the cathode, enabling electrons to move from the anode to the cathode, thus generating voltage.
The difference in charge between the anode and the cathode creates the electrical potential difference, or voltage, which powers the circuit. This electricity will then flow between the battery terminals from the negative terminal to the positively charged terminal via any wires placed between them from which you can connect switches, breakers and electronic appliances and devices directly.
As we delve deeper into the world of batteries, it is important to understand the different types of batteries and their respective voltages. This knowledge will prove invaluable when selecting the appropriate battery for our electronic devices and ensuring their optimal performance.
Types of Batteries and Their Voltages
How many volts a battery has depends on its chemistry and cell count. Lithium batteries, for example, typically have a voltage of 13.6V when fully charged in a 12 volt battery, while lead-acid batteries usually have a voltage of 12.7V when charged.
The disparity between the voltages of each of these types of battery depends on the kind of chemical reaction occurring within the cells, which is the source of the voltage.
Understanding the voltages of various types of batteries is crucial for ensuring that the correct battery is chosen for a specific device. Mismatching voltage with electronics or batteries can result in damage.
Let's delve deeper into the intricacies of lithium batteries and lead-acid batteries, two of the most commonly used types of batteries in today's world.
Read Next: Learn more about the different types of 12V batteries.
Lithium Batteries
A lithium battery is the premier battery technology considered a high energy density battery ideal for powering all sorts of RV and marine electronics. A 12-volt battery will boast a normal maximum voltage of 13.6 volts when fully charged. And even after discharging 10% of their nominal capacity, they still have 13.4 volts at resting voltage (a loss of only 0.2 volts).
Lithium batteries have a higher battery capacity and deliver constant voltage when there is a battery discharge to decides in the circuit. These batteries are favored due to their superior energy density when compared to other battery technologies such as the traditional lead-acid battery.
In the world of lithium-ion batteries, it is crucial to follow proper charging and discharging protocols to ensure their safety and longevity. They require specific chargers designed for their chemistry, and their voltage must be carefully monitored to avoid charging beyond their maximum safe voltage or discharging below the lockout threshold.
Our LiFePO4 batteries all come with superior battery management systems (BMS) that ensure proper charging and discharging.
Read Next: Take a look at all the reasons why you should choose a lithium battery for your power application.
Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries are prevalent in various applications, such as automotive and marine starter batteries, and typically have a nominal voltage of 12.7V when fully charged. While they do not offer the same energy density as lithium-ion batteries, they have been a reliable source of power for over a century.
The primary reason why RV and boat enthusiasts would purchase lead acid batteries is due to their low cost. But our lithium batteries provide exceptional value and are a fraction of the cost of lead acid batteries when you factor in our 10-year replacement warranty.
Measuring and Monitoring Battery Voltage
Measuring how much voltage your battery or batteries have is essential for determining its state of charge and ensuring optimal performance. Instruments such as multimeters and battery monitors are employed to measure battery voltage. These devices utilize sensors to measure the electrical potential difference between two points, providing an accurate reading of battery voltage.
Regardless of what application you are using your batteries for, having a way to measure their voltage throughout their use (and storage) is important to ensure they are working properly. Plus the tools below will help you with diagnosing and troubleshooting when the battery technology may fail you.
Using a Multimeter
A multimeter is a versatile tool that can be used to measure battery voltage. To use a multimeter for this purpose, set it to DC voltage, connect the red lead to the positive terminal of the battery, and the black lead to the negative terminal. The voltage reading will then be displayed on the multimeter.
By employing a multimeter, one can quickly and accurately determine the state of charge of a battery, ensuring that it is operating within its optimal voltage range. This information can be invaluable in maintaining battery health and prolonging its lifespan.
Multimeters are also great to have around as part of any RV or marine tool kit because you can use them to diagnose all sorts of issues and gain all sorts of information, including the current flowing through your power system to different devices.
Battery Monitors and Sensors
Battery monitors and sensors are devices that measure and report on the status of a battery, including its voltage, temperature and current load. By providing real-time data for monitoring and assessment, these tools can help anticipate battery health and performance, ensuring optimal operation.
The use of battery monitors and sensors in battery management systems ensures that devices remain powered and functional, ultimately prolonging their lifespan and maintaining their efficiency.
Voltage, Current, and Power: The Complete Picture
The relationship between voltage, current, and power is integral to understanding battery voltage and its role in powering our devices. Voltage, as previously discussed, refers to the potential energy in a battery, while current refers to the rate of electron flow, measured in amps.
Power, on the other hand, is calculated by multiplying voltage and current.
Each of these terms is connected through the equation:
By understanding the interplay between voltage, current, and power, you can make informed decisions about battery usage and maintenance. This knowledge is crucial in ensuring the optimal performance of your devices and prolonging the lifespan of our batteries.
Further, you can manipulate the equation to determine other factors if they are unknown.
For example, if you do not know how many amps a device that draws 800 watts of power will consume on a 12-volt system, you can use the equation:
In this case, the unknown current (I) is equal to 800 watts / 12 V = 66.7 amps.
But why would you need to know this? When you ensure proper wire size for safety purposes or want to know what size inverter you may need, being able to factor in Voltage, Current and Power and do basic calculations will help you tremendously.
Read Next: Refresh your understanding on the key electricity terms of what are watts and what are amps.
Battery Voltage Safety Considerations
While battery voltage is essential for powering our devices, it is important to be aware of the safety considerations associated with both high and low voltages. High voltage can pose a risk of electric shock or even death, while low voltage may lead to over-discharge and failure of batteries.
By understanding the potential hazards and limitations of battery voltage, you can take appropriate measures to ensure the safe and efficient operation of our devices. Let's delve deeper into the safety considerations surrounding high and low voltages.
High-Voltage Hazards
High-voltage hazards are a significant concern when working with batteries and electrical devices. Potential hazards include electrical shock, burns, explosions, loss of consciousness or muscle control, and even death.
It is essential to employ proper safety equipment and exercise caution when working with high-voltage electricity.
OSHA considers any voltage over 50 volts to be dangerous. And while you may not enjoy getting a 48-volt shock if you are working on your golf cart or boat electrical system, this does not compare to the hazards of 110 volt AC mishaps.
Being aware of the potential dangers associated with high voltage is crucial for ensuring the safe operation of our devices and the well-being of those who use them. By adhering to proper safety protocols, you can minimize the risks associated with high-voltage electricity and maintain the optimal performance of our batteries and devices.
Low-Voltage Limitations
Low-voltage limitations can pose challenges for the efficient operation of your electronic devices. The constraints of low voltage include increased current at a low power factor, causing a greater voltage drop, increased propagation delay in logic circuits and subpar appliance performance.
These limitations can lead to decreased efficiency and reliability in your devices, if they do not in fact destroy the device entirely.
We recommend that you consider investing in a surge protector for anytime you plan to connect your boat, golf cart or RV into 110V “shore power” to mitigate the damage that can occur with fluctuations in either high or low voltages.
Maintaining Optimal Battery Voltage
In order to maintain optimal battery voltage and extend battery life, it is crucial to follow proper charging best practices and prevent over-discharge. These practices include matching the voltage of your charger and batteries correctly to avoid damage, using appropriate chargers for specific battery types and protecting against overcharging and over-discharging.
By adhering to these best practices, you can ensure that your batteries remain within their optimal voltage range, providing a reliable source of power for your devices.
Summary
Understanding what battery voltage is and why it is essential is important for ensuring the optimal performance of all of your electronic devices and prolonging the lifespan of your batteries.
By delving into the basics of voltage, exploring different battery types and their voltages, learning about measuring and monitoring techniques, and adhering to safety considerations and best practices, you can make informed decisions about battery usage and maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should my car battery voltage be?
Normal battery voltage depends on what type of battery you have. Traditional 12-volt lead acid car battery will have a nominal charge of 12.6 volts when fully charged.
It is best to aim for a car battery voltage of 12.6 volts when the car is off. The voltage should rise to 13.5 to 14.5 volts when the engine is running due to the alternator boosting it.
Any voltage below 12.0 volts may mean an issue with the car's electrical system or the alternator as the lead acid battery is reaching 50% depth of discharge
What is proper 12 volt lithium battery voltage?
A 12-volt lithium battery will have a nominal voltage of 14.6 volts when charging and 13.6 volts at full battery capacity.
What does voltage of a battery mean?
Voltage, when referring to a battery, is the measure of the amount of electrical potential energy it has stored. Voltage measures the electric potential between two points, the negative and positive ends of the battery.
Ultimately, the voltage of a battery determines the power output and how long it can run a device or appliance.
Does higher voltage mean more power?
Yes. Higher voltage does mean more power because it increases the current flow in direct proportion, which in turn increases the amount of power transferred through a circuit.
Using the equation P = IV, as long as current remains the same or increases, then as you increase the Voltage, the Power will necessarily increase.
NEED MORE ASSISTANCE PLANNING YOUR POWER SETUP? GIVE US A CALL AT 303-968-1366 AND OUR TEAM WILL HELP YOU GET STARTED! |