Battery Basics

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BATTERIES - Wet or Dry Charged
Batteries can be produced as Wet-Charged, such as current automotive batteries are today, or they can be Dry-Charged, such as a motorcycle battery where an electrolyte solution is added when put into service.

WET-CHARGED: The lead-acid battery is filled with electrolyte and charged when it is built. During storage, a slow chemical reaction will cause self-discharge. Periodic charging is required. Most batteries sold today are wet charged.

DRY-CHARGED: The battery is built, charged, washed and dried, sealed, and shipped without electrolyte. It can be stored for up to 18 months. When put into use, electrolyte and charging are required. Batteries of this type have a long shelf life. Motorcycle batteries are typically dry charged batteries.