VRLA Batteries

A gel battery is classified as a VRLA, valve regulated lead-acid battery, which is a category of low maintenance lead-acid battery. These types of batteries are pre-sealed; the owner does not need to maintain them by checking their water levels. A gel battery contains far less acid than a traditional battery. In fact, they are filled with a gel substance, referred to as a gel electrolyte, that replaces what some of us know as battery acid.

Gel Batteries

The gel electrolyte is sulfuric acid combined with silica. The gel is immobile, like gelatin. Traditional batteries, however, are liquid or wet-cell batteries. A gel battery is referred to as a sealed battery, but this isn't completely true. A truly sealed gel battery would create gas build up, and dangerous levels of pressure. Gel batteries regulate their gas build up through openings in the seal.

Advantages Of Gel Batteries

Gel batteries have a few strong advantages that keep them on the market. They don't typically leak, or produce spills or corrosion. Even if they are cut open, the gel does not flow out of the battery. The batteries are not known to evaporate, which is a constant issue with traditional wet batteries. They have a better resistance to extreme temperature changes, and are more vibration-resistant and shock-resistant than other types of batteries.