If the lead-acid battery is draining too quickly, it could be a serious issue. In most cases, common causes are poor cell condition, parasitic drain, and a faulty charging system. Very common culprits are sulfation, deep discharge, and a high load connected to the battery. In this article, major causes are discussed for better understanding.
Common Causes of Lead Acid Battery Draining too Fast
- Battery is aged or sulfated.
- Battery is not fully charged.
- Excessive connected Load.
- Parasitic Battery drain.
- Low level electrolyte.
- Loose or corroded connection between battery.
- Temperature effect.
Battery is Aged or sulfated
Frequently discharging the battery at 50% and above will lead to the buildup of sulphate crystals in the battery plates surface. The accumulation of these crystals will reduce the efficiency of the battery and causing it to drain too quickly. Batteries older than 3 to 5 years that are not properly maintained with a full charge can also experience this issue.
Battery Charger Fault or Not Fully Charged
Undercharging and overcharging lead-acid batteries reduce their lifespan and also drain quickly. In an overcharging condition, the supply voltage is higher, which will lead to evaporation of the battery water, heating issues, and plate corrosion.
In low voltage conditions, the battery does not get enough current to charge, which will also increase sulfation and reduce battery life and capacity.
Excessive Connected Load with battery
If the battery is connected to a high load, it will drain the battery fast. Because the appliances or electronic or electrical device use high current for working. Then the battery stored charge is drain faster than normal, it is also related with sulfation in the future.
Parasitic Battery Drain
The parasitic battery drain means the battery drains its charge after turning off your vehicle or UPS. In a car, When you turn off the key, some parts of the vehicle, like the clock, antitheft alarm system, Bad switch connection will gradually reduce the battery charge.
Low level electrolyte in Battery
Exposed battery plates with the air will reduce the battery capacity and increase the chace of corrosion, which will reduce the efficiancy of the battery. So maintain a proper level of distilled water to prevent the issue happened due to the electrolyte level.
Loose or Corroded Connection
Loose and corroded connections between the battery and the device will increase the resistance. The resistance increases, which will produce heat and load on the battery. The load increases the battery get drain quick.
