VRLA batteries are one of the most versatile, almost maintenance-free power sources available today. With a life span of between 3 to 10 years, they’re used in a wide range of applications around the world. Yet 72% of all VRLA batteries die early, with the single biggest killer being over-discharge. 

When machines like scissor lifts, floor cleaners and golf carts are in frequent use, operators will sometimes use a vehicle until the battery is flat and then just move on to another machine, rather than take the discharged one back for charging. When those machines are then left idle for long periods, due to parasitic loads and normal self-discharge, the VRLA batteries will over-discharge all by themselves. 

Philadelphia Scientific has introduced the LVA which monitors the battery and will alert operators when it critically needs to be charged to avoid damage. The LVA prevents fatal battery damage by emitting an audible alert when the battery should be critically charged. The loud alarm protects the batteries on infrequently used machines and prevents operators from abandoning discharged machines instead of recharging.  

Designed and manufactured in-house, it is easy to understand. If the state of charge is acceptable the LVA flashes green, if the charge is getting low then there is a flashing amber alert with an intermittent alarm. If the battery drops below the critical state of charge, the LVA emits a loud audible warning tone, flashes red, and displays an illuminated charger plug icon, universally understandable without instruction. If the LVA lights up and starts to make a sound, the operator can look at it and immediately see that charging is critically required.

“As soon as you hear that first alarm, you know you’ve just saved the cost of replacing your battery” says Andy Napoleon Hill, global marketing manager. “By installing an LVA on a VRLA, you know you’re going to get the most performance out of your battery, effectively doubling the lifespan of the average battery by preventing over-discharge”

For more information on protecting VRLA batteries against over-discharge, visit: https://www.phlsci.com/landing-page/lva/