Onboard Marine Chargers: Best 3 Bank Battery Charger
3 bank battery chargers are commonly used for charging several (up to 3) batteries at once, using just one battery charger.
Most onboard battery chargers are designed to be permanently connected to the batteries, which are then charged whenever the battery charger is plugged in the mains power.
3 bank battery chargers are commonly used on boats, yachts, electric vehicles, RVs, off-the-grid, and other applications that have the need to charge multiple batteries at once.
Updated: January 28, 2023.
1.5 Volt Battery: The Ultimate Guide
1.5 Volt batteries are some of the most popular batteries on the market, ranging in size from tiny button/coin cell batteries to large, heavy-duty cylindrical batteries.
Thanks to their popularity, practically all battery brands offer them - 1.5V batteries thus differ in chemistry, size, type, intended use, etc.
Published: January 28, 2023.
27A, A27, MN27 12V Battery Equivalents and Replacements
27A, A27, MN27 battery is a small, cylindrical, non-rechargeable battery commonly used in car alarms, remote controls, garage door openers, glucose, and blood pressure monitors, telecommunication devices, headsets, toys, etc.
According to the IEC standard, this battery label is 8LR732, since internally, it consists of 8 (eight) LR732 (or LR632) batteries connected in series.
Updated: January 26, 2023.
SR48, AG5/SG5, LR754, SR754, Orange Tab, Size 13, 193/309/393 Battery Equivalents and Replacements
SR48, AG5/SG5, LR754, SR754, Orange Tab/13, 193/309/393, etc., are small, button coin cell batteries often used in watches, toys, small LED flashlights, wearable electronics, remote controls, hearing aids, and similar.
SR48, AG5/SG5, LR754, SR754, Orange Tab/13, 193/309/393 batteries are available in several chemistries and are often labeled differently by their manufacturers, leading to some confusion among their users.
Updated: January 26, 2023.
Can You Jump Start a Car With a Bad Alternator?
When the car starting battery is discharged, one can jump-start a car with another car's battery using jump-start cables or using a car jump starter.
However, there are many reasons why the battery is dead in the first place, including parasite load over a longer period of time, a bad or simply old battery, or a bad or faulty alternator.
If the battery is almost new and there are no loads that would discharge the battery, and one nonetheless has to jump-start the car, there is a great probability that there is something wrong with the alternator or charge regulator, leading to the question if the car can be jump-started with a bad alternator...
Updated: January 25, 2023.
CR927 Battery Equivalents and Replacements
CR927 batteries are small, coin-cell types of batteries used in remote controllers, toys, watches, calculators, and similar devices and gadgets.
CR927 batteries are non-rechargeable lithium 3.0 volts batteries featuring good energy density and stable output voltage, making them a preferable choice for many micro and small electronic devices.
Updated: January 24, 2023.
CR2430 Battery Equivalents and Replacements
Lithium 3.0 volts non-rechargeable CR2430 batteries are button/coin-cell type of batteries commonly used in watches, fitness wearable electronics, car keys, remote controllers, calculators, healthcare devices (glucose monitors, for example), dog collars, as a backup battery, and similar.
CR2430 battery is rather common, but it is often labeled using other labels. Also, the round 2430 battery can be found in other chemistries, even rechargeable ones, leading to some confusion among users.
Updated: January 24, 2023.
16340 Rechargeable Battery and Its Equivalents: The Complete Guide
16340 battery is a cylindrical rechargeable battery based on one of the lithium-ion chemistries, ensuring relatively high discharge currents, stable output voltage, low self-discharge rate, etc.
As such, the 16340 battery is often used in high-output flashlights, photo/video equipment, toys, tools, and similar. However, there are several other very popular battery sizes that can, more or less easily, fit the 16340 battery compartments, leading to potential issues.
Published: January 23, 2023.
Why Is My Light Switch Hot: Reasons and Solutions
Light switches allow us to control lights and appliances by controlling the flow of electricity. Properly dimensioned and installed traditional light switches should not feel warm to the touch, while dimmer switches may become slightly warm.
However, when the light switch, regardless of the type, is getting hot, it must be addressed immediately. Failing to do that may lead to damaged lights, appliances, light switches, and wires, but also to sparks and fires.
Published: January 21, 2023.
NITECORE P20iX Xtreme LED Tactical Flashlight
NITECORE P20iX Xtreme is a tough and durable tactical LED flashlight with one of the strongest light outputs, while still keeping the battery's size and weight in check.
NITECORE P20iX Xtreme supports the use of Nitecore NL2150HPi 21700 battery, but also CR123A and RCR123A batteries, making it an excellent EDC (Every Day Carry) flashlight. However, the full potential of the flashlight can be achieved using only Nitecore 21700 rechargeable battery.
Published: January 17, 2023.
How To Connect Batteries in Series and Parallel: Series vs. Parallel
Batteries can be connected in series and parallel in order to create battery packs of larger voltage and/or capacity.
While in theory, batteries can be almost freely connected in parallel and series, following just a few simple rules, in real life, things are not that simple.
But, battery packs consisting of several batteries connected in parallel and/or series are used every day, and it is good to learn how to do it properly.
Updated: January 17, 2023.
16 Volt Battery: Guide To 16V AGM and Lithium Batteries
16-volt batteries are typically used in drag racers, circle track racers, and other racing cars and vehicles, in general, to help lower the weight of the electrical systems and to improve reliability, fuel efficiency, to crank larger engines, etc.
To reduce the weight even further, many racing vehicles lack alternators and charge controllers, requiring their batteries to work harder than typical car batteries since they must crank large internal combustion engines and power all electronic and electrical systems during the race.
Published: January 16, 2023.
AA vs AAA Battery: The Difference Between AA And AAA Batteries
AA and AAA batteries are very popular cylindrical batteries available in various chemistries, each offering different discharge characteristics.
AA and AAA batteries differ in size and hence the capacity. In certain situations, using a special battery holder, one may replace AA with AAA batteries, but at the expense of battery capacity.
Updated: January 14, 2023.
AA Batteries - Size, Types, and Equivalents
AA batteries are one of the most common battery sizes used in household electronic devices.
AA batteries differ in used chemistry and hence the capacity, voltage, discharge characteristics, and other features that are very important when powering sensitive electronic equipment.
Updated: January 13, 2023.
Shorai LFX19A4-BS12 Lithium Starting/Cranking Battery
Shorai LFX19A4-BS12 is a lithium battery designed for us as starting/cranking batteries in Powersports vehicles like motorbikes, snowmobiles, ATVs, and similar.
Shorai LFX19A4-BS12 features a compact and rather lightweight design, simple use and maintenance, good starting characteristics, low self-discharge rate, affordable price, etc.
However, one also has to know that Shorai LFX19A4-BS12 doesn't feature an internal balancer, and the use of a SHO-BMS01 Lithium Battery Charger/Maintainer/Balancer from time to time is highly recommended.
Updated: January 13, 2023.
How To Change Omron MC245 (MC-245) Thermometer Battery?
Omron MC245 (MC-245) thermometer is a simple-to-use and very accurate pen-like thermometer intended for measuring body temperature in several ways.
Omron MC245 (MC-245) thermometer comes with many interesting features, but unlike Omron MC246 (MC-246) thermometer, the Omron MC245 (MC-245) thermometer appears as if the battery replacement was not planned at all. But, Omron MC245 (MC-245) thermometer battery can be replaced.
Published: January 10, 2023.
26800 Battery and Chargers: 26800 vs. 26650 Battery
26800 batteries are large cylindrical batteries able to store and release plenty of energy. As such, 26800 batteries are often used in ebikes, scooters, and similar battery packs, but also in other applications requiring high-energy and high-power batteries.
Physically 26800 batteries are rather similar to much more popular 26650 batteries, and some devices can even be powered by both batteries.
Published: January 9, 2023.
Group 35 Batteries - Dimensions, Features, and Recommendations
BCI Group 35 batteries are very popular battery size of lead-acid batteries, commonly used in cars, trucks, RVs, and other similar applications as starting or dual-purpose batteries.
These batteries, especially dual-purpose and deep cycle batteries, are often used in other applications as well, like UPS batteries, wheelchair batteries, security system backup batteries, medical applications, off-the-grid, etc.
The most popular BCI Group 35 batteries are Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries, but lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are slowly entering the market, especially for dual-purpose applications.
Updated: January 9, 2023.
Streamlight 44931 Siege 540-Lumen Compact D Alkaline Outdoor Lantern Flashlight
Streamlight 44931 Siege is a tough, durable and reliable LED lantern flashlight powered by three large D-cells and featuring white and red light, different light modes, removable glare-reducing polycarbonate cover, IPX7 waterproof level, etc.
Streamlight 44931 Siege can be used in many everyday situations, when camping, in emergencies, during blackouts, and similar.
Published: January 9, 2023.
Can A Generator Run A Heater?
During cold winter days, a space heater or an AC unit can make a huge difference between being comfortable or feeling miserable.
When being off-the-grid for whatever reason, when camping, during blackouts, or some other emergencies, staying warm is one of the most important things, so many people wonder if they can plug a space heater into a power or solar generator.
Published: January 5, 2023.
8 Volt Tractor Battery - The Complete Guide
8-volt tractor batteries are starting batteries and should not be confused with 8V deep-cycle batteries, which are typically used in golf carts and similar electric vehicles for creating battery packs of 24V and 48V.
8V cranking batteries are not as common as 12V Group U1 and Group 22NF batteries or 6V Group 1 batteries, but they are still present in some vehicles, and as such, they are also available on the market.
Published: January 4, 2023.
Trailer Battery Charger: AC-to-DC, DC-to-DC, and Solar Dump and Travel Trailer Battery Chargers
Regardless of the trailer type, trailer batteries are often hardworking batteries that often operate in anything but ideal conditions.
As such, these batteries have to be charged and kept fully charged when the trailer is not in use. The most common trailer battery chargers include AC-to-DC, DC-to-DC, and solar battery chargers and their combinations, allowing the trailer users to have their batteries charged regardless of the situation.
Published: January 3, 2023.
Weize LFP1235/TL1235 12V 35Ah Deep Cycle AGM Battery
Weize 12V 35Ah deep cycle battery is a very popular, general-purpose BCI U1 Group battery, often used in backup systems, electric vehicles, garden tractors, as a small off-the-grid inverter battery, and similar.
Weize 12V 35Ah battery is sometimes labeled as Weize LFP1235 and sometimes as Weize TL1235 battery, but these are two practically the same batteries.
Published: January 2, 2023.
AA Battery Weight: How Many AA Batteries Weigh 500 Grams
AA batteries are very popular battery size and are commonly used for consumer electronics, including toys, remotes, flashlights, cameras, drones, etc.
AA batteries come in various chemistries, with each chemistry having different discharge features but also different weight. And best of all, many manufacturers offer several battery models with the same chemistry but with different features and specifications. Here is the comparison chart of the most common AA batteries on the market.
Published: December 30, 2022.
Can I Run A TV Using A Power Generator?
Although even the smallest power generators are generally strong enough to power home TVs, even the largest ones, many people nonetheless ask if they can run their TVs using power generators. And they ask for a good reason.
When powering TVs using power generators, the output power of generators is not an issue. However, a waveform of the output voltage can cause various issues to modern TVs, laptops, tablets, audio devices, telecommunication devices, and similar devices.
Published: December 29, 2022.
How To Make Generator Quiet
Generators can be a great backup power source or a convenient way to bring electricity to a remote location, construction site, camping site, etc. However, they can also be quite loud, which can be a problem if you need to use one in a residential area or if you just want to reduce the noise level in your backyard.
There are several ways to make the generator quiet, and the best approach will depend on the specific power generator model and, of course, the budget.
Published: December 29, 2022.
JITA 12.8V 300Ah LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
JITA 12.8V 300Ah LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery is a high-capacity Lithium Iron Phosphate battery designed for deep discharge cycling applications like solar battery, power inverter battery, RV battery, trolling motor battery, and similar.
As such, the JITA 12.8V 300Ah battery is a rather lightweight battery, supporting a large number of charging/discharging cycles, even down to 100% DoD. Thanks to the built-in BMS, the battery is protected from overcharging, over-discharging, short circuit, etc.
Published: December 28, 2022.
Why Is My Car Clicking When Trying To Start?
Nobody wants to hear a clicking sound or just one click when trying to start the car, especially in a hurry.
There are many reasons why a car may produce a clicking sound when trying to start, from a bad battery to a bad starter or something even more serious. Fortunately, reasons are often relatively simple and can be solved rather quickly.
Published: December 28, 2022.
18 Gauge Wire (18/2 Wire, 18/3 Wire, 18/4 Wire) Amps: Guide to 18 Gauge Copper Speaker Wire
18 gauge wires are commonly used for powering devices that don't require too strong currents, including home or car speakers, except subwoofers.
But, for many other applications, 18 gauge wires tend to be too thin, especially when powering home appliances, tools, and similar loads.
Published: December 27, 2022.
Best AA Batteries For Trail Cameras
AA batteries are a very popular choice for powering trail, wildlife, and other similar outdoor cameras, which require reliable batteries with a wide temperature range being able to provide constant small currents for standby mode and short current pulses when actually taking pictures.
AA batteries come in several different chemistries, offering their users batteries with different features and at different prices.
Published: December 23, 2022.
Can You Use A Marine Battery In A Car
Both marine and car batteries share many similarities in terms of voltage, capacity, size, weight, CCA (Cold Cranking Amps), MCA (Marine Cranking Amps), chemistry, battery terminals, and similar.
When having issues with a car battery, replacing a car battery with a fully charged marine battery can be tempting, but can and should this be done?
Published: December 22, 2022.
How To Keep Generator Battery Charged
Power generators with remote and electric start feature built-in lead-acid or lithium starting batteries, which are required for cranking the internal combustion engine and for powering remote start electronics while the unit is in standby mode.
For a generator to be as reliable as possible, it is very important that its battery is fully charged and ready to be used at the moment's notice. However, some people wonder how to charge the generator's battery.
Published: December 22, 2022.
Generator Suicide Cord: Male to Male Extension Cord
Male-to-male extension cords are not very common extension cords but can come in very handy in emergencies and blackouts when one wants to provide at least some electric power to the home appliances.
Male-to-male extension cords are simple electrical cords with prongs on both ends, allowing the user to connect one end to the wall power socket and another end to the power generator.
Although such connections are quick and easy, there are a few very serious safety issues with them, giving these extension cords a rather grim nickname - suicide cord.
Updated: December 22, 2022.
Odyssey PC680 Battery - Types, Features, and Recommendations
Odyssey PC680 Battery is a dual-purpose AGM battery designed for Powersports vehicles in mind like ATVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and other applications that require a compact yet sturdy and durable battery.
Odyssey PC680 Battery comes in several versions, which are electrically identical but differ in the level of protection, terminal types, and, thus, physical dimensions and weight.
Updated: December 20, 2022.
Tri Fuel Generator: The Ultimate Guide
Power generators convert chemical energy stored in fossil fuels into electricity, allowing the users to power various electrical devices, tools, appliances, gadgets, etc., during blackouts, emergencies, when camping, on construction sites, and similar.
Tri-fuel generators are able to use three types of fuel, commonly gasoline (often shortened as "gas," which can lead to some confusion), propane gas (LPG - Liquid Petroleum Gas), and natural gas (NG).
Published: December 17, 2022.
Best AA Rechargeable Batteries For Solar Lights
AA rechargeable batteries are very often used to power small solar lights commonly used in the garden, backyard, along the pathways, and similar.
Rechargeable batteries for solar lights should feature broad charging and discharging temperature range, should support a large number of charging/discharging cycles, should support charging with various currents, must be safe for use, and similar.
Published: December 14, 2022.
Top 70+ Most Fuel-Efficient Power Generators
When comparing power generators, specific fuel efficiency is one of the sometimes neglected features, often disguised in runtime at certain power levels, usually @25%, @50%, or @100% of nominal power with the fuel tank capacity being provided, as well.
We are bringing You the list of the most fuel-efficient power generators with their efficiency provided in gallons and liters per kWh at a certain power level with other features provided as well.
Updated: December 14, 2022.
How Many Lumens Is The Sun?
When checking the features and specifications of various flashlights, one always checks the amount of lumens that the flashlight can produce.
Since our Sun converts ~4.000.000 tons of mass into energy every second(!), many people wonder how many lumens the sun is, despite it radiating the energy in a very broad spectrum.
Anyway, the sun is a very powerful "flashlight" ...
Published: December 12, 2022.
Weize FPLI-12100AH 12V 100Ah Lithium LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
Weize FPLI-12100AH battery is an ultralight, deep-cycle battery based on the Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry, supporting a large number of charging/discharging cycles.
As such Weize FPLI-12100AH battery is typically used in off-the-grid applications, electric vehicles, security and medical systems, as trolling motor battery, fish finder battery, car audio battery, inverter battery, etc.
Published: December 12, 2022.
JITA 12.8V 100Ah LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
JITA 12.8V 100Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery is a very popular lithium battery intended for deep-cycle applications like off-the-grid applications, RVs, trolling motor batteries, power inverter batteries, emergencies and during blackouts, and similar.
JITA 12.8V 100Ah LiFePO4 battery supports deep discharge applications and offers great weight savings when compared with similar lead-acid batteries, it is a very cost-effective battery for applications that cycle a lot and similar.
Published: December 12, 2022.
Hatori Super Small Mini LED Flashlight
Hatori Super Small Mini LED Flashlight is a very compact, popular, and rather affordable LED flashlight powered by a single 1.5V AAA battery, which is not included.
Considering its dimensions and price, the flashlight features excellent output, and a sturdy and durable body that can withstand plenty of abuse, just be sure not to overdo it.
As such, Hatori Super Small Mini LED Flashlight is commonly used as an excellent pocket-size Every Day Carry (EDC) flashlight, but also in any other imaginable situation.
Published: December 8, 2022.
Group 65 Batteries - Dimensions, Features, and Recommendations
BCI Group 65 batteries are commonly used as automotive, marine, and industrial batteries. They are mid-size batteries, often designed as dual-purpose AGM batteries suitable as both starting and deep cycle batteries, thanks to the advances in AGM SLA battery technology.
Generally, group 65 batteries feature 70-75 Ah 20h capacity, 130-150 minutes RC, 750-950 CCA, with the MCA values of some models reaching almost 1100 Amps. Also, they usually weigh between 45 and 55 pounds (20 - 25 kg).
Lithium-ion BCI Group 65 batteries are not as common as AGM batteries, but they slowly appear on the market, offering many advantages over AGM batteries but also having certain limitations.
Updated: December 8, 2022.
Optima D34M, D27M, D31M BlueTop Dual Purpose Marine Batteries
Optima D34M, D27M, and D31M BlueTop Dual Purpose Marine Batteries are three models of very popular Optima AGM batteries.
They are 'true' dual-purpose batteries suitable as marine cranking batteries and deep cycle marine batteries. And they come at an affordable price.
Updated: December 8, 2022.
Treadmill Amps and Watts: Does A Treadmill Use A Lot Of Electricity?
Treadmills allow their users to walk, jog and run at home, even during bad and cold weather outside, and to burn tons of calories.
However, many people also wonder about treadmill power consumption and how many Watts and Amps their treadmills actually require.
Published: December 6, 2022.
CR2354 Battery Equivalents and Replacements
CR2354 is a non-rechargeable lithium 3.0V button/coin cell battery, often used in devices that require constant voltage for years to come and in small and compact devices that periodically need a reliable source of constant power combined with power pulses.
Thus, CR2354 batteries are commonly used in digital wrist watches, key fobs, medical devices, toys, calculators, wearable electronics, as CMOS backup batteries, and similar.
Published: December 6, 2022.
Best 21700 Battery
Lithium-ion 21700 batteries are very popular 3.6-3.7 volts batteries for high-drain devices that also require long-lasting batteries in terms of constant voltage, battery capacity, low self-discharge rate, and a large number of charging and discharging cycles.
21700 lithium rechargeable batteries come in many versions differing in their chemistry, battery capacity, maximum pulse and continuous drain current, maximum charging current, protective electronics, battery terminals, etc.
Updated: December 3, 2022.
Luminous Efficacy: Lumens to Watts Conversion
Different light sources emit different amounts of visible light using the same amount of power. Luminous efficacy is a measure that shows how well a light source converts one type of energy, usually electricity, into visible light.
Luminous efficacy is a ratio of luminous flux (given in lumens) and power (given in Watts) and is written as "lm/W." In short, more energy-efficient light sources will provide more lumens for the same amount of power.
Published: December 2, 2022.
Vacuum Wattage: How Many Watts Does a Vacuum Use?
Vacuum cleaners range in size, type, and wattage significantly, so when speaking about vacuum wattage, one must take into account these moments as well.
If You wish to find out how many watts your vacuum use, the best thing to do is to check the Owner's Guide that came with the unit. However, there are a few more things to consider as well ...
Published: November 29, 2022.
How Long Does It Take For Water To Boil?
In order to boil water, one has to increase the temperature of water to its boiling temperature at normal atmospheric pressure, and this requires energy.
The most common ways of boiling water include heating it on the stove, in the microwave, or in the electric kettle. There are other ways of boiling the water, for example, in the electric oven, but they are rarely used.
Updated: November 28, 2022.
How to Convert Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) to Amp Hours (Ah)
Conversion between Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) and Amp Hours (Ah) is not a direct one for one very simple reason: Cold Cranking Amps describe the ability of the battery to provide strong currents required for starting/cranking of internal combustion engines, usually for 30 seconds, while Amp Hours (Ah) describes the capacity of the battery and its ability to provide certain current for, usually, 20 hours.
Basically, Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) and Amp Hours (Ah) both describe the capacity of the battery and its ability to provide current for some time - they are just two extremes of battery usage.
Updated: November 28, 2022.
Renogy 2000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter
Renogy 2000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter is a robust and reliable 12V to 120V power inverter intended for a broad range of applications, including marine and industrial applications, but also in emergencies, blackouts, camping, off-the-grid and similar.
Renogy 2000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter features pure sine wave output with a very low THD, high energy efficiency, remote controller, it supports the use of various battery types, etc.
Published: November 28, 2022.
Clore Automotive Pro-Logix PL2320 20/10/2 Amp 6/12V Intelligent Battery Charger/Maintainer
Clore Automotive Pro-Logix PL2320 20/10/2 Amp 6/12V Intelligent Battery Charger/Maintainer is a versatile lead-acid battery charger intended for charging practically all lead-acid battery types featuring 6V and 12V with different charging currents including 2A, 10A, and 20A. Also, it can be used as an automotive power supply for powering a car's electronics, for example.
Clore Automotive Pro-Logix PL2320 features an advanced multi-phase algorithm, allowing it to recover even deeply discharged batteries, to recondition and to maintain the batteries fully charged.
Published: November 28, 2022.
Light Bulb Wattage: How Many Watts Does A Light Bulb Use
Light bulbs are smallish devices that convert electric energy into light and heat, and until a few years, not many people wondered about their energy efficiency.
But, with the rise of electric energy prices, and the introduction of newer light bulb technologies, many people ask themselves how many watts their light bulbs actually use and if it is worth to start using new, energy very efficient LED bulbs.
Published: November 24, 2022.
Optima RedTop vs. YellowTop vs. BlueTop vs. OrangeTop Batteries - Comparison and Recommendation
Optima batteries are very popular lead-acid automotive, marine and light industrial batteries. Depending on their intended purpose, they come in three versions, easily distinguished by their color: RedTop, YellowTop, and BlueTop.
Also, new Optima OrangeTop batteries are Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries intended for the Powersports market and range from 3 to 15Ah and from 190 to 800 PHCA, covering almost all ATVs, snowmobiles, motorbikes, and similar vehicles.
Updated: November 23, 2022.
Car Battery Died While Driving - Can a Car Battery Die While Driving?!
Many people wonder if the car battery can die while driving, especially after their car battery died while driving. Obviously, the answer is "Yes, a car battery can die while driving."
A good car starting or dual-purpose battery should not die while driving, but although it is a rare event, it happens. There are many reasons why a car battery dies while driving, here are the few most common ones...
Updated: November 22, 2022.
Wet/Flooded, AGM and Gel-Cell Deep Cycle, Dual Purpose and Starting Lead-Acid Batteries - Little Bit of Theory
Lead-acid batteries are still the preferred choice for many marine, automotive and industrial applications, despite the presence of lightweight and powerful lithium-ion batteries on the market for quite some time.
As such, lead-acid batteries come in many sizes, forms, electrolyte types, plate alloys, intended uses, etc. that sometimes finding the right battery for certain applications may be a daunting task. But it shouldn't be...
Updated: November 22, 2022.
Top Off Car Battery: Battery Acid vs. Battery Water
Despite technological advances, especially lithium batteries, many road vehicles still use lead-acid batteries as starting/cranking batteries.
Some lead-acid batteries are not maintenance-free batteries, and to prolong car battery life, one must add battery water to the battery acid to maintain the battery electrolyte in proper condition.
Published: November 21, 2022.
How to Choose the Best Electric ATV for Kids and Adults
Electric All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are a type of Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs) that are becoming more and more popular thanks to the improvements in batteries and other electric and electronic components.
Electric ATVs range in size from toy vehicles for small children to large and powerful vehicles with performances comparable to gas-powered ATVs.
Updated: November 18, 2022.
Battery Cables and Terminals: Is Red Positive Or Negative?
When connecting batteries, jump starters, jumper cables, and similar to the car's or similar batteries, it is very important to know which cable and terminal post are positive and which ones are negative.
Also, it is very important to know which one to connect or disconnect first.
Not knowing such information can be dangerous since car batteries and jump starters are able to provide huge currents, even when not fully charged.
Updated: November 18, 2022.
Dimmable LED Flash: How To Solve LED Dimming Issues
Older incandescent bulbs are being phased out thanks to the energy-efficient LED light bulbs. However, incandescent bulbs were very simple and reliable - after all, they are "just" a very thin tungsten (wolfram, W) filament with no electronics of any kind.
LED light bulbs, on the other hand, depend on the built-in electronic controller to run Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) - if the controller doesn't work properly, the light provided by LEDs is anything but smooth and pleasant.
What causes dimming issues of the LED lights, and how can one fix it? We look at the causes and solutions for flashing and flickering LED lights.
Published: November 18, 2022.
How Many Watts Does An Air Conditioner Use?
Air conditioners are some of the more significant energy consumers in any household, and people often wonder how many watts an air conditioner (AC unit) draws and how much that electricity costs.
Things are not that simple since AC units come in different sizes, types, energy classes, and similar. Also, it is not the same as how the air conditioner is used and how long it operates per day.
Published: November 17, 2022.
What Gauge Wire Is Needed To Connect 12V Batteries?
When connecting batteries in series and parallel, it is important to know the maximum current that will go through the wires and the length of the wires.
12V lead-acid and lithium batteries are able to provide very strong currents, but if too thin wires are used, energy losses may be unacceptable. Also, overheating of the wires and even fires are easily possible.
Published: November 14, 2022.
8S LiPo Battery: All About 8S Lithium Polymer Batteries
Lithium polymer (LiPo for short) batteries feature electrolyte in the form of polymer gel, hence the name. In order to increase the voltage and, thus efficiency, more cells are connected in series.
For example, when 8 LiPo cells are connected in series, 8S ("S" for connection in Series) LiPo batteries are created, which are able to provide huge amounts of power in a very short period of time. However, regardless of advances in chemistry and other technologies, 8S LiPo batteries should be handled with care.
Published: November 14, 2022.
Swagtron Swagcycle EB-7 Elite Plus Folding Electric Bike
As its label suggests, Swagtron Swagcycle EB-7 Elite Plus Folding Electric Bike is a compact, relatively lightweight electric bike designed for everyday commuting to work and back, for leisure rides, but also, if needed, for some sports adventures.
Swagtron Swagcycle EB-7 Elite Plus features a very balanced design, with a sturdy, foldable aluminum frame, supporting relatively heavy riders over flat terrain. However, for traversing quickly over hilly terrain, some pedaling is required, especially from larger people.
Published: November 12, 2022.
Washing Machine Wattage: How Many Watts Does A Washing Machine Use?
A washing machine is a large appliance that is used quite often, especially in larger families with kids.
While absolutely needed, many people wonder how many watts and how much energy a washing machine needs to do its job and how does it reflect on the electricity bill?
Published: November 10, 2022.
Best Sump Pump Backup Battery
Battery-powered sump pumps are a type of emergency equipment that must operate reliably when required, and saving money on these pumps or their batteries may be a very expensive thing to do.
The sump pump backup battery must be strong enough to power the sump pump motor, and it must store enough energy to power the whole unit long enough to prevent as much damage as possible until mains power is restored.
Updated: November 10, 2022.
How to Charge a Marine Battery
Electrical demands on modern boats are much higher than a decade or more ago.
Nearly all fishing boats have electrical devices such as lights, radios, sonars, refrigerators, laptops, electric trolling motors, electric watermakers, etc.
Updated: November 10, 2022.
Computer Wattage: How Many Watts Does A Computer Use?
Computers are present in various forms at any home, and while not being as energy-hungry as some other devices and appliances, it is good to know how much energy and Watts computers require.
Just like other electrical devices, computers do differ in many features, power consumption included. However, some average computer wattage can be safely assumed when calculating required energy and, of course, electric bills.
Published: November 9, 2022.
What To Do When Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
Circuit breakers are designed to protect electrical circuits from damage caused by overload and short circuits.
Sometimes circuit breakers start tripping quickly and frequently, protecting the electric circuit but also signaling an issue with the load, power switches, outlets, or maybe even wiring.
And the "best" of all, like everything else, sometimes even a circuit breaker may malfunction.
Published: November 5, 2022.
Gyroor X8 Foldable Electric Scooter
Gyroor X8 Foldable Electric Scooter is designed for teenagers and adults that need a relatively strong and agile electric scooter that can also be used for both everyday commuting and having fun.
Gyroor X8 Foldable Electric Scooter offers a strong rear hub motor, large battery, relatively fast battery charger, shock absorbers, App control, safety lock, safety lights, etc. Considering its price, Gyroor X8 Foldable Electric Scooter has plenty to offer.
Published: November 4, 2022.
18650 Battery vs. AA Battery
Both 18650 and AA batteries are cylindrical batteries that differ in size, and that come in various types of battery chemistries, thus differing in the battery voltage, capacity, and other charging/discharging characteristics.
In order to simplify finding the batteries for their devices, some manufacturers ship their 18650 devices (mostly flashlights) with an AA battery holder that allows AA batteries to be used in the 18650 battery compartments. But is this actually a good idea?
Updated: November 4, 2022.
0 Gauge Wire: 1/0 Aluminum & 1/0 Copper Wire
0 gauge wire is a relatively thick wire that can carry a lot of Amps, regardless if it is made out of aluminum or copper.
0 gauge wire is often written as 1/0 gauge wire and should not be confused with 1 gauge wire.
0 gauge wire is rarely used by homeowners since it is not used for typical applications one finds in residential buildings. But it is a good thing to know a thing or two about this wire size...
Published: October 31, 2022.
What Will a 3000 Watt Generator Run?
3000 Watt power generators are a very popular category for homeowners, campers, outdoor enthusiasts, and similar people who want a relatively compact power generator that is able to power a relatively long list of home appliances and devices in emergencies, during blackouts, at construction sites, when camping and being generally off-the-grid.
3000 Watt power generators differ slightly in output power but can differ significantly in other features like fuel types, noise levels, start types, the list of available receptacles, and similar, so one has to choose according to the personal needs and requirements.
Updated: October 27, 2022.
Best Lawn Mower and Tractor Batteries - Types, Sizes, and Replacements
A lawn mower, tractor, and garden starting batteries are used for starting/cranking internal combustion engines and sometimes for powering other electric loads, including lights, smaller winches, various pumps, and similar devices.
When looking for a new battery, one must pay attention to several details in order to get the right battery that will serve well for years ahead.
Updated: October 27, 2022.
ECOFLOW RIVER Pro Portable Power Station
ECOFLOW RIVER Pro Portable Power Station is a compact and relatively lightweight portable power station/solar generator designed for use at home in emergencies and blackouts, but also camping, RVs, outdoors, etc.
ECOFLOW RIVER Pro Portable Power Station is a versatile unit, supporting several charging methods, the use of an additional external battery, and pass-through charging, and is able to power a long range of external devices.
Published: October 27, 2022.
OLIGHT Warrior Mini 2 1750 Lumens Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight
OLIGHT Warrior Mini 2 is a versatile tactical/EDC rechargeable LED flashlight designed to be reliable and offer great performance in a relatively small and compact package.
OLIGHT Warrior Mini 2 is powered by a custom rechargeable 3500 mAh 18650 battery which is recharged using a magnetic MCC3 cable - there is no need to plug in the charger and no need to "open" the battery or charging port.
Published: October 27, 2022.
LR1130, AG10, 389, 390 Battery Equivalents and Replacement
LR1130 is a very popular button/coin cell battery, often used in remote controls, car keys, garage openers, micro LED flashlights, calculators, toys, etc.
Since it is so popular, practically all battery brands manufacture LR1130 batteries, but they also use many other labels, including LR1131, LR54, SR1130, SR1130SW, AG10, 390, 389, 387, 189, etc., leading to certain confusion among the consumers.
The most commonly used labels are LR1130, AG10, 389, and 390 batteries.
Updated: October 24, 2022.
Off-the-Grid: How Many Watts and Amps Does a TV Use - TV Wattage
TVs are not used anymore for just "watching a TV" - they are used for "watching TV," but also for media streaming, gaming, as communication devices, part of security systems, etc. - it is vital to know how many watts and energy in general they require.
Regardless of whether You are worried about your electric bill or you want to watch TV during power outages, we bring You the TV wattage comparison chart taking into account TV sizes and technologies.
Updated: October 4, 2022.
Champion 200988 4500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator
Champion 200988 4500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator is a very popular, highly efficient, dual-fuel, inverter power generator that is used as a camping generator, RV generator, during emergencies and blackouts, and similar.
Champion 200988 power generator is a very quiet unit, offering a long runtime on a single fuel tank or a single propane bottle. Also, for people requiring extra power, Champion 200988 is a parallel-ready unit, requiring a parallel-ready kit to be purchased separately.
Published: October 24, 2022.
Do Sun Panels Need Direct Sunlight To Operate?
With more and more people using solar panels to power their homes and to recharge their electric vehicles, RVs, golf carts, and similar, more and more questions regarding solar panels are being asked.
One of the very common questions is if solar panels need direct sunlight to work.
Published: October 24, 2022.
DOKIO FFSP-200 220W 18V Portable Foldable Solar Panel Kit
DOKIO FFSP-200 220W 18V Portable Foldable Solar Panel Kit is a rather versatile and popular solar panel kit, suitable for camping, fishing, and similar off-the-grid trips and for emergencies.
DOKIO FFSP-200 solar panel kit is intended for charging various 12V batteries, including lead-acid, lithium-ion, and LiFePO4 batteries, for charging power stations/solar generators and for charging USB-charged devices.
For people who like to travel and camp and for people who want to be ready in emergencies, DOKIO FFSP-200 solar panel kit provides energy even during no-so-sunny days...
Published: October 24, 2022.
DeWalt 12V Battery: 12 Volt MAX Lithium Ion Batteries
DeWalt 12V batteries are a popular choice for compact and lightweight tools and appliances that must operate in tight and narrow spaces.
Also, DeWalt 12V batteries are commonly used for handheld tools that are being used overhead and in elevated areas - due to the compact design and low weight, they don't stress the user as much as larger and heavier batteries.
DeWalt 12V MAX lithium-ion batteries are compatible with all DeWalt 12V MAX tools and battery chargers, allowing the users to power plenty of tools using just a few batteries, decreasing the overall price of the tools and batteries.
Published: October 20, 2022.
How To Neutralize Battery Acid and Clean Up Battery Acid Spills
Battery acid and battery electrolytes, in general, are chemicals that should not come in contact with skin, clothes, and other everyday materials.
Also, their vapors and fumes can be rather dangerous - when battery electrolytes come in contact with other materials, they can react in unpredictable ways creating perhaps even more dangerous compounds.
When a battery starts to leak, the battery acid must be neutralized, and the battery must be considered as dangerous and must be replaced and properly recycled.
Published: October 19, 2022.
Outlet Stopped Working, Breaker Not Tripped - What To Do?
When the power outlet loses power, the most probable reason is tripped circuit breaker or a blown a fuse.
But, in some situations, the outlet may stop working without the circuit breaker being tripped. When that happens, what can one do to solve the problem?
Updated: October 19, 2022.
How Many Volts Is A Motorcycle Battery?
Most motorcycles have 12V electrical systems, although some oldtimers still operate at 6V, but they are rather rare.
Motorcycle batteries are tasked with starting the motorcycle's internal combustion engine and powering lights and a few more electric systems while the engine is turned off.
By using simple multimeters, one can check the voltage of the battery in various situations and find out the actual battery condition.
Published: October 17, 2022.
How Many Lumens Is A 100 Watt Bulb?
Incandescent light bulbs were, for decades, common light sources at homes, converting some of the electric energy into light and the rest of the energy into heat.
100 Watt incandescent bulbs were typically used as single bulbs or in pairs for lighting up rooms and similar areas. With the introduction of more energy-efficient light sources, many people wonder how many lumens a 100W bulb produces...
Published: October 17, 2022.
5S LiPo Batteries: All About 5S Lithium Polymer Batteries
5S Lithium-Polymer (also known as LiPo, Lipo, Li-Po) batteries are very popular high-drain rechargeable batteries commonly used in high-performance RC models, toys, drones, in hobby projects, and similar.
Lithium Polymer batteries feature electrolytes in the form of polymer gel (hence the name) with graphic anode and cathode in the form of a Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO2) or some similar material. Also, they have very low internal resistance and can provide huge currents.
Published: October 17, 2022.
HRB 5S 18.5V 50-100C 5000mAh LiPo Batteries
HRB 5S 18.5V 50-100C 5000mAh LiPo Batteries are relatively large and powerful Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries featuring 5 LiPo cells connected in series, strong discharge currents, long lifetime, etc., and are commonly used in various RC toys, trucks, quadcopters and similar vehicles that require a lightweight and reliable power source.
HRB offer 5S 18.5V 50-100C 5000mAh LiPo batteries with either XT90 or Deans T plug and with standard JST-XH charging/balancing plug.
Published: October 14, 2022.
Mighty Max ML35-12 - 12V 35AH U1 Deep Cycle AGM Solar Battery
Mighty Max ML35-12 is a 12V 35Ah deep cycle, sealed lead acid (SLA) AGM battery, suitable for use in a wide variety of applications like power sports, solar, electric vehicles, as cranking battery, golf carts, lawn and garden tools, security, etc.
Although it is designated as a deep cycle battery, it is often used as dual purpose battery on small boats and in lighter vehicles with internal combustion engines.
Updated: October 14, 2022.
Renogy RBM500 10-120V 500A Battery Monitor
Renogy RBM500 10-120V 500A Battery Monitor is a reliable, low-power, and rather easy-to-install battery monitor suitable for cars, RVs, boats, yachts, off-the-grid applications, and similar.
Renogy RBM500 battery monitor supports the use of the most common batteries in use today and allows the user to reprogram it via a simple and easy-to-use interface.
Published: October 14, 2022.
Best Electric Bikes Under $1000
Electric bikes under $1000 offer great performances to price ratio, including strong, energy-efficient brushless electric motors, lightweight 36V and 48V lithium batteries, strong, durable, and not too heavy frames, good load capacity, etc.
Electric bikes under $1000 range in size from small and compact, foldable commuter bikes to full-size city and mountain bikes with 26" or larger wheels intended for both flat and rough terrain.
Updated: October 12, 2022.
DeWalt 15Ah Battery: DeWalt DCB615 FLEXVOLT 20V/60V 15.0Ah MAX Battery
DeWalt offers a 20V/60V 15Ah DCB615 FLEXVOLT MAX battery intended for energy-hungry cordless tools and devices, which is compatible with all 20V MAX, 60V MAX, and 120V MAX tools, and all 20V MAX chargers.
However, for charging DeWalt DCB615 battery, only DeWalt rapid battery chargers are recommended - even they require at least 2 hours to recharge the battery fully.
Published: October 10, 2022.
VMAXTANKS 6 Volt 225Ah AGM Battery
VMAXTANKS 6 Volt 225Ah AGM Battery is one of the best buys deep cycle AGM batteries, suitable for use as solar or wind turbine battery, RV battery, golf cart battery, electric trolling battery, etc.
It features long Float Service Life (up to 8 to 10 years), but thanks to heavy-duty lead-tin alloy, it is a very durable battery with long service life in either float or cyclic applications, even after repeated over discharges - which should be nonetheless avoided as much as possible, of course.
Updated: October 8, 2022.
3LR12 3R12 4.5 Volts Flat Battery
The alkaline 3LR12 battery is a flat, rectangular battery containing internally three "B" cells connected in series to form the 4.5 volts battery pack.
Once upon a time, the 3LR12 4.5V battery was a very common battery used in various applications, but nowadays, it is mostly used in flashlights, toy remote controllers, and similar applications.
Updated: October 7, 2022.
B-Cell Batteries: Why There Are No B Batteries?
B-cell batteries, also known as B batteries, are cylindrical zinc-carbon or alkaline batteries that were used in various applications, especially as part of the flat 4.5V batteries.
Today, B batteries are practically impossible to find on the market since other similar battery sizes are much more popular, including AA, C, and D-size batteries. Also, with the advances in chemistry and technology, lithium cylindrical cells, especially rechargeable ones, are taking their share of the market.
Published: October 7, 2022.
Best Hand Crank Flashlights
Hand crank flashlights feature a small hand crank power generator that is used to charge an onboard battery which is then used to power LEDs but sometimes also for other purposes as well, like charging the USB charged devices and similar.
Often, hand crank flashlights also feature a small solar panel that collects the light and slowly charges the battery, keeping the flashlight almost always ready to go.
Updated: October 6, 2022.
Milwaukee M12 Battery System
Milwaukee M12 battery system is a very popular lithium-ion battery system used to power 100+ various M12 Milwaukee cordless tools.
Every Milwaukee M12 battery is designed to power every Milwaukee M12 tool, however, the energy and power requirements of such tools differ - it is recommended to go for the batteries that best suit the needs of both the tool and the task being done.
Published: October 6, 2022.
Group 31 Batteries - Dimensions, Features, and Recommendations
Group 31 batteries are relatively large and powerful batteries, featuring 20h capacity in 75-125 Ah range, providing 750-1250 CCA, 150-250 minutes RC, etc. Their physical dimensions are approximately 13 x 6 13/16 x 9 7/16 inches (~13 x 6.8 x 9.44 inches, 330 x 173 x 240 mm), while their features depend on the battery design, intended use, chemistry, and similar.
Group 31 batteries are very common in marine, automotive, off-the-grid and similar applications, making them one of the most popular battery groups.
Updated: October 6, 2022.
Best Electric Bikes Under $2000
Electric bikes range from city commuting ebikes focused on energy efficiency and comfortable ride using roads and similar surfaces to fat tire ebikes designed to be tough and durable for rides over practically any surface that can support enough weight.
Electric bikes under $2000 feature plenty of power thanks to efficient brushless electric motors combined with high-energy lithium batteries often offering speeds well above 20 mph (32 km/h) and ranges over 30 miles in Electric Bike Modes.
Published: October 5, 2022.
Group 58 and 58R Batteries: Alternatives and Recommendations
Group 58 and 58R batteries are mid-size cranking batteries used in some passenger cars, sedans, SUVs, and even boats as affordable and reliable Starting, Lighting, and Ignition (SLI) battery.
Group 58 and group 58R batteries share the same dimensions but different battery terminal orientations. Also, many brands that offer both group 58 and group 58R batteries offer batteries that are internally different - group 58R batteries often have better discharge characteristics than group 58 batteries.
Published: October 5, 2022.
How Many Lumens is a 60-Watt Bulb?
While Watts determines the electrical power of the bulb, the lumens determine how actually bright the bulb is.
60-Watt incandescent bulbs are very popular light bulbs, or at least they were - they are being replaced with more energy-efficient light sources, mostly highly efficient LED light bulbs. But, how many lumens have an ordinary 60-Watt incandescent bulb,s and what is the wattage of the equivalent LED bulb...
Published: October 4, 2022.