Q: What makes VMAXTANKS™ so unique?
A:
The heart of the VMAX is the unique physical and chemical structure of
its plates. The special treatment and manufacturing process they undergo
gains them unique reliability, strength and high performance far
exceeding those of other Pb-Ca plates used in similar looking products.
Using our specially designed Absorbed Glass Matt (AGM) between the VMAX
plates, adds to it many physical and electrical advantages that make it
superior to the Wet Lead Acid Batteries. This also maximizes the VMAX
resistance to shocks and vibrations. Since the electrolyte is totally
absorbed by the AGM, the VMAX is classified as “non-spillable and
non-hazardous”.
A tough Tank seals and protects the tightly packed plates delivering the VMAX in a 100% maintenance-free package.
Though VMAXTANKS™
are best known for their long life span, their capability to recover
after repeated deep discharges is what makes them the favorite choice
for any application.
To sum it up, VMAXTANKS™ utilize:
- Sealed Construction
The unique construction and sealing techniques of VMAX tanks guarantee leak proof operation in any position with no adverse effect to capacity or service life. VMAX tanks are classified as non-spill able, non-hazardous, dry batteries making them NOT restricted for Surface, Maritime and Air Transport. - Electrolyte Suspension system
VMAX tanks utilize an electrolyte suspension system consisting AGM (Absorbed Glass Matt) of a high porosity that totally absorb and contain the electrolyte. No silica gels or any other contaminants are used. - Gas Generation
VMAX tanks incorporate a built-in design that controls gas generation and induces recombination of more than 99% of gases generated during float usage. - Maintenance Free Operation
There is no need to check specific gravity of the electrolyte or add water to VMAXTANKS™ during float service life. In fact, there is no provision for this type of maintenance. - Low Pressure Valve Regulated System
All VMAXTANKS™ are equipped with safety release valves, designed to operate between 0.98-196.1kpa and automatically reseal. Hence, there is never an excessive accumulation of gas within the battery. - Heavy Duty Grids
Heavy duty lead tin alloy grids manufactured with virgin lead provide an extra margin of performance and service life in either float or cyclic applications, even after repeated over discharges. - Cyclic Service Life
VMAX is known to deliver one of the highest numbers of discharge / recharge cycles. Depending on the use and average depth of discharge it can offer an average of:
Number Of Cycles Depth of Discharge 300 100% 600 75% 900 50% 1500 25% 3500+ 10% - Float Service Life
VMAXTANKS™ have an expected life span of 8 to 10 years in float service applications. - Low Self Discharge
The self discharge rate of the new VMAX tanks at room temperature is approximately 1-2% of rated capacity per month (compared to 2-3% for most other AGM batteries and 15-20% for Lead Acid batteries). - Operating Temperature
VMAXTANKS™ may be operated over a broad range of ambient temperatures. - Ultra Low Resistance
VMAXTANKS™ Ultra Low Resistance make it up to 99% efficient (compared to 85-95% as in Lead Acid Batteries and 97% in most other GEL and AGM batteries). - Higher Power Density
A special assembly technology is used to enhance power density to a considerable level. - Reliable Construction
The extra strong construction ABS container reduces case bulging and plate warping, ensuring long life and high performance.
Q: Where are VMAX Batteries made?
A: VMAX USA has facilities in the US, Vietnam, China, Taiwan and Germany. The majority of our products are manufactured at our main facilities in the US and Vietnam.
Q: How Long will my batteries last?
A: VMAX batteries are designed to last for an average of 10 years in float mode. Under use, the actual battery life span is calculated by the number and depth of of cycles it undergoes. Based on the table shown above-under Cyclic Service Life- a battery subjected to a 50% discharge every day, could last about 3 years or 5-6 years if discharged every other day, If discharged by 25% daily, battery could last 4 years and 7-8 years if discharged every other day. A daily discharge of 90%-100% discharge will drop the life of a battery to around 1 year. Other factors will affect the estimated life of a battery; mainly the working and storage temperatures, charger quality and recharging frequency.
Q: What is your warranty policy?
A: Click here for our warranty policy.
Q: How do I store and commission my batteries?
A: Storage:
1- Batteries must be stored clean and away from any moisture.
2-
Storage room must be dry, ventilated and kept at a temperature range of
10°F (-12°C) – 104°F (40°C) degrees. Storage at room temperature is MOST recommended.
3- Fully recharge your batteries before storage.
4-
Though VMAX batteries can be stored for 6-9 months without a recharge,
it is highly recommended to recharge your stored batteries at least once
every 3 months, or once every 2 months if stored at over 85°F (30°C).
5-
If batteries are not accessible, or if they cannot be periodically
charged while in storage, then leave your three stage charger connected
to them until they are ready to be reused again.
Commissioning:
1-
Ensure that batteries are clean. Use a damp cloth to clean battery
surface. Dry surface after cleaning. The use of cleaning agents,
solvents, petroleum or any other products of the sort is not
recommended and may cause damage to battery surface.
2- Fully
recharge your batteries. A float charge of 48-96 hours at room
temperature is highly recommended (13.5-13.7V for 12V or 6.69-6.81V for
6V batteries). Or you can fast charge your batteries (14.5-14.9V for 12V or 6.9-7.05V for 6V batteries) for 12-24 hours.
3- Check battery voltage with no load. It should be above 12.9V for 12V or 6.45V for 6V batteries.
4- Connect batteries to load.
5- Check the tightening of connections
Q: How do I care for my VMAXTANK?
A:
- Never short circuit your VMAXTANK.
- Store in a cool and dry location. Avoid locations where freezing or high temperature (above 85F) is expected.
- Do not fully discharge your VMAXTANK before recharging.
- Completely charge your VMAXTANK before storing and before re-activating.
- Charge your VMAXTANK after each period of use.
- Do not overcharge your VMAXTANK.
Q: What kind of charger is best for my VMAXTANK?
A: A 14.5V Constant Voltage Three Stage AGM battery charger must be used to charge VMAXT batteries.
These chargers - AKA: Smart, Automatic, Microprocessor Controlled, IEI-
have three charging stages that changes as the VMAX charge increases.
It switches from Bulk to Acceptance to Float. Please Click on "Description" tab of any battery to get charger ratings for that battery.
Click here for our Battery
Chargers Guide.
Generally speaking, the recommended Current rating of the charger should be 10-15% of the 20 AH rating of the VMAX in use. It will take a 10% rated charger a period of 10 hours to fully charge a fully discharged VMAX. Changing any of the variables can be prorated accordingly - so increasing the charger rating by 10% will lower charging time by 10% and so on.
In the case of an urgent need for a fully charged VMAX, chargers with higher rating options can be used provided that the VMAX voltage is continuously monitored and the charger's rating is never above 30% of the 20 AH of the VMAX. Charge at that maximum rate for up to 1 hour and then change setting to resume charging at the 10% rate.
For Float Charging, recommended Voltage is 13.5-13.7V for 12V or 6.7-6.85V for 6V batteries. Please check our Float Charge Voltage vs Temperature chart.
Q: Why did my battery case swell and bulge out?
A: Most of the time, this problem happens to sealed lead-acid
batteries of either AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) or GEL (gelled electrolyte)
construction. These batteries are known
as "recombinant", referring to the absorption of gasses generated by
the chemical process of the battery. In order to absorb these gasses, the
positive and negative plates must be as close together as possible and are
usually held apart by the thickness of the separator. A consequence of
the necessity of gas absorption, the pack of plates is inserted very tightly
into the cell cavity, resulting in a lack of space for any other components. In
the situation of a swollen battery, the cell plate components expanded, and the
force exerted on the case will cause it to swell and in some cases split.
The expansion of the plates is a result of internal heat caused by either
overcharging the battery or from a drastic shorting of its terminals.
Either one of these situations will generate internal heat in the
battery. And since lead has a high expansion rate when exposed to heat,
the expansion pressure will cause the case to swell and cause battery damage.
Overcharging of the battery can be the result of using a
charger that is delivering the wrong Voltage or Current to the battery. Regardless
of the cause, the result is almost always the same; swelling and the
destruction of the battery.
For your safety and to avoid this problem, it is very important to ask the following questions:
1) Is the charger designed to be used with my battery (AGM, WET, GEL, LITH…)?
2) Does the charging voltage fall within the
range specified for my battery?
3) Does the maximum current of the charger fall within
the charging range of my battery?
4) Do I have the right polarity connection
between battery and charger?
5) Are the battery terminals prevented from
possible shorting at all times?
Q: Can I search for a VMAX Battery using my BCI Group Number?
A: Yes. If you know your battery Group Number, enter the number in the "Search" window and click Search.
A:Recycling has many advantages:
Keeps heavy metals out of our landfills.
Saves resources because recovered plastic and metals can be used to make new batteries:
Plastic:
Processed and turned into small plastic pellets of a uniform size. The
pellets are sold and used in the manufacture on new battery cases. Lead: Cleaned and processed. The pure Lead is then re-melted and used in the production of new batteries Sulfuric Acid: Processed and converted to sodium sulfate that’s used in detergents and textile manufacturing. HOW? Return battery to any battery dealer, automotive service station or other authorized collection center for recycling. A 5% credit will be issued
towards the purchase of a new VMAXTANK when returned to a VMAX retailer. |
Q: How can I view the status of my order?
A: Go to "My Account". This page lists all your orders. Click the date of the order whose status you wish to view. If you have any further question, please check our Contact Us page for further instructions.
Q: Do you accept COD Orders?
A: COD orders are not accepted.
Q: What are your shipping costs?
A: Orders shipped within the 48 STATES will be shipped freight prepaid.
Click here for our Shipping Policy.
Q: Do you ship outside the United States?
A:Free shipping applies only to the 48 states within the United States. Shipping anywhere else is subject to additional shipping fees. Please check with your local authorities regarding any duty, taxes and other fees. All international shipping is subject to VMAX approval.
Q: Do you charge Sales Tax?
A: Orders shipped from the same state as your shipping address will be subject to local sales tax.