What is a lead calcium battery?

In the drive to market batteries that require no topping up during their life and an extended shelf life, battery manufacturers are moving to lead calcium batteries to meet these needs.

Why is the battery referred to as Silver Calcium? What does the silver do?

An addition to the calcium in the grid alloys, silver is added to the positive grid. Silver inhibits/reduces corrosion and improves high temperature performance.

Why do calcium batteries have such exceptional low water loss characteristics?

Water loss occurs when batteries gas! Gassing voltage for a lead calcium battery is significantly higher than conventional batteries. We have tested batteries for water loss comparison in our laboratories and have found a 90% reduction for lead calcium. The results showed hybrid water
loss of 4.22 g/Ah of battery capacity against 0.48 g/Ah for a calcium battery.

It is claimed that lead calcium batteries have superior shelf life – is this true?

Laboratory tests have proven that lead calcium batteries have exceptional shelf life characteristics. A battery needs recharging when it reaches 12.4 V open circuit – hybrid gets there in about 270 days, with the calcium reaching this voltage after 440 days! - 63% longer shelf life before recharge is necessary!

The charge voltage for lead calcium batteries is higher than that for hybrid – what is the ideal charging voltage for calcium and hybrid batteries?

The ideal charging voltage for a hybrid battery is 14.4 V and for a calcium battery 14.8 V. However, this does not mean that a calcium battery cannot be fitted in place of a hybrid battery. Tests have shown that the calcium battery will operate at a slightly lower state of charge in the car.

Do calcium batteries have different performance ratings?

The range of calcium batteries manufactured by First National Battery has been designed to meet the latest Original Equipment requirements. For comparable batteries there is no measurable difference between capacity and cranking ratings of hybrid and calcium batteries.

Is the calcium battery more vibration resistant?

Typically they are, but not due to the alloys used, rather due to an improved design and manufacturing process. The battery has a more rigid design, improved weld surface area, much better bonding between plates and strap, wider straps and lugs and stronger intercell welds. These are the result of the use of state of the art equipment such as the new assembly line installed by First National Battery.

Will the calcium battery last longer?

One should expect the calcium battery to last longer but as always life is affected by operating conditions and general care.

How is the calcium battery different from what we already sell?

The range of calcium batteries has been specifically designed to suit international Original Equipment manufactures requirements. Modern passenger vehicles especially, demand extraordinary performance standards and our calcium batteries exceed these needs.

At the recent Nissan Supplier of the Year Award ceremony, First National Battery in recognition of outstanding achievement and exemplary performance during the Nissan Aftersales Parts and Accessories Supplier of the Year Awards Programme, achieved 1st Place in the Direct Supply Category for the 2nd year in succession.