What is the Difference Between Lead Acid and Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) Generator Batteries?

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What is the Difference between Lead Acid and Nickel-Cadmium Batteries?

If you have a generator, you need a starter battery. But what kind should you get? NiCd or lead-acid? Both have their pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.

Here’s a quick rundown of the differences between these two types of batteries so you can decide which one is right for your generator.

Lead-Acid Batteries

Lead-acid batteries are the most common type of battery used in generator systems.

They are also used in cars and trucks. Lead-acid batteries have some advantages and disadvantages.

They are typically less expensive than other types of batteries and have a long lifespan. of about 5-7 years. However, lead-acid batteries require more maintenance during that time than other types of batteries, and they are not as efficient as nickel-cadmium batteries.

How Do Lead-Acid Batteries Work?

When the battery is charged, nickel ions migrate from the negative electrode to the positive electrode, and cadmium ions migrate from the positive electrode to the negative electrode. The process is reversed when the battery is discharged, and nickel and cadmium ions migrate back to their respective electrodes.

The chemical reaction during charging and discharging causes the lead sulfate to slowly build up on the plates. This build-up eventually reduces the amount of active material on the plates, reducing the battery’s capacity and ability to produce power.

Advantages

Lead-acid batteries have several advantages over nickel-cadmium batteries.

• They are less expensive than nickel-cadmium batteries. However, due to the shorter lifespan, the cost can be higher than that of a nickel-cadmium battery.

• They are less likely to suffer from self-discharge, meaning they can hold their charge for extended periods (about 3-4% per month).

• They can provide a large amount of power when needed.

• They are easier to dispose of and recycle than nickel-cadmium batteries.

Disadvantages

Lead-acid batteries have several disadvantages when compared to nickel-cadmium batteries. This includes:

• They have a shorter life cycle (about 500-800 charges).

• They also require regular maintenance, such as topping up the water level and cleaning the terminals.

• They are more sensitive to temperature changes, which can shorten their lifespan (usually about -20 °C to +45 °C).

• They can produce hydrogen gas when charging, which can be explosive if it builds up in a confined space.

• They are not suitable for fast charging.

How Do Nickel-Cadmium Batteries Work?

Nickel-cadmium batteries also work by the process of electrolysis, which is the movement of ions between two electrodes in an electrolyte solution. The positive electrode is made of nickel oxide hydroxide, and the negative electrode is made of cadmium metal. The electrolyte is an alkaline solution.

Advantages

Nickel-cadmium batteries have many advantages over lead-acid batteries, including:

• They are more resistant to temperature extremes, so they can be used in a broader range of environments (usually -40 °C to + 60 °C).

• They have a higher power density, meaning they can store more energy per unit of weight than lead-acid batteries.

• They can be charged faster than lead-acid batteries.

• They have a longer life cycle of up to 15-20 years, depending on their environment and use, due to their higher life cycles of about 2000.

• They also have a high discharge rate, meaning they can release energy faster.

• They run almost maintenance-free.

• They are less harmful to the environment than lead-acid batteries since they do not contain lead.

Disadvantages

• But nickel-cadmium batteries also have some disadvantages:

• They are more expensive than lead-acid batteries. But since they have a longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries.

• They have a higher self-discharge rate (about 20% per month).

• They are more harmful to the environment as they contain toxic metals.

So, Which One Is The Better Starter Battery For Your Generator: Lead-Acid Or Nickel-Cadmium Batteries?

There is no easy answer to that. But there are a few key things to remember when deciding which type of battery to get for your generator system. Lead-acid batteries tend to be more affordable, but they also need to be regularly maintained. NiCd batteries are more expensive, but they don’t require maintenance and have a longer lifespan.

In general, NiCd batteries are a better choice for generators used regularly, while lead-acid batteries are a better choice for generators used infrequently.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to what is most important to you. If affordability is key, go with a lead-acid battery. If you want a hassle-free experience, go with a NiCd battery.

Schedule Service Today

Always follow the battery and generator manufacturers recommendations for battery maintenance and replacement.

Important things to test and document monthly to be in compliance should include: Date and time of battery test, voltage, age, cold cranking amps and outdoor temperature for batteries located outdoors.

Don’t wait any longer, contact our service department today with questions and to schedule preventative maintenance service.