Description
What is a battery jar?
A battery jar is one component that battery manufacturers use to construct a lead-acid battery. As the name implies, battery jars were originally made of glass. Modern battery jars are plastic injection molded with polypropylene or polyethylene since these materials are virtually unaffected by battery acid. The most common size jars range from 5-plate to 33-plate batteries and are made in a variety of different heights up to 34 inches or more. This item is also referred to as a battery container or battery case.
What other parts are needed to make a battery?
The main component is the set of positive and negative lead plates. The electrolyte reacts with the plates to produce electricity. The other parts may vary depending on the manufacturer and battery type, but here is a list of the most common ones.
Battery Bridge Rest
The bridge rest is placed on the bottom of the battery jar to support the lead plates. In all lead-acid batteries, small particles are formed which fall to the bottom of the battery. If this debris builds up against the lead plates, it can cause a short circuit and ruin the battery. The bridge rest acts as a spacer, providing room for the debris to accumulate below the plates thereby extending the life of the battery.
Battery Element Protector
The element protector has a similar function. It is placed on top of the lead plates to prevent debris from settling there which could eventually cause a short circuit.
Battery Edge Protector
The edge protector is placed on the top portion of individual lead plates to protect them from damage during assembly. It also covers the top edge and helps to prevent shorts.
Battery Cell Cover
The battery cell cover is welded to the top of the battery jar, forming a leak-proof seal for the liquid electrolyte.
Floating Bushing
Over time, the positive terminal post grows upward. If the lead post was affixed to the battery cell cover, this growth will damage the cover. The floating bushing prevents any damage by floating upward along with the post, and the rubber o-rings on the bushing maintain the seal against the cover.
What are lead-acid batteries used for?
Smaller batteries are mainly used in vehicles such as motorcycles and automobiles. Larger deep cycle batteries are used to power equipment in a wide variety of applications including forklifts, golf cart, floor scrubbers, solar arrays and more. They are used to provide backup power in critical applications where an uninterrupted power source is vital.
