What are the benefits of using Carbon GEL batteries?

Strident Innovations have recently launched our newest innovation, the Advanced Carbon GEL Batteries, which offer a range of advantages over the traditional lead-acid battery, ie. AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat).

When it comes to comparing the use of AGM batteries and Advanced Carbon GEL batteries, there are many advantages of using both. So, you ask yourself, which one is going to suit me best?

AGM Batteries, as we know, are currently the most popular battery in the mobility market. It has always been used in this market and we already know of the advantages.

Then there are the Carbon GEL batteries, which if you are unsure what these are, it is a battery that uses a carbon composite negative plate in addition to the standard lead positive plate. Make sense? Maybe not, but this can give you a whole load of advantages, hear me out…

Faster charging and discharging. 

The carbon composite negative plate allows for faster ion transfer, which means that the battery can be charged and discharged more quickly. This is especially beneficial for deep cycle applications such as mobility scooters.  

Longer lifespan. 

The carbon composite negative plate also helps to reduce sulfation which as we know is the cause of premature failure. As a result, carbon GEL batteries have significantly increased cycle life than an AGM battery. 

Better performance at high temperatures. 

Carbon GEL batteries are less sensitive to high temperatures than AGM batteries. This makes them a good choice for applications where the battery will be exposed to high or fluctuation temperatures. 

Low self-discharge rate. 

The self-discharge rate of a battery is the rate at which it loses its charge when it is not in use. Carbon GEL batteries have a low self-discharge rate, which means that they can be stored for long periods of time without losing much of their charge. 

In summary, the advanced carbon gel battery has many attractive benefits for the discerning users, and these do come with higher price point. However, when you consider the longer-term savings of increased cycle life alone meaning you won’t have to replace so soon, even in harsh applications the Carbon Gel will in fact start to make you savings very quickly. 

 

Well, now how do I choose which battery works for me? 

You need to take into a number of factors, including: 

Your budget: AGM batteries are initially more affordable than Carbon GEL batteries, however, when factoring in the less frequent replacements the Advanced Carbon Gel very quickly return a saving. 

Your needs: If you operate equipment in a harsh, demanding environment and expect a lot from your battery power, you will need a battery with a longer lifespan and good performance, the advanced Carbon GEL battery is the right choice. If you are on a budget, stick with the AGM battery is a good option. 

The environment: If you live in a hot, hilly or rough terrain environment, or maybe you just enjoy the freedom of the great outdoors which leads you across fields and other harsh terrain then the Advance Carbon Gel is the battery for you. On the other and, if you a short run user of equipment that nips to the shop once a week, then you would be more suited AGM technology. 

Is the Advanced Gel Battery technology for everyone? It’s for the discerning user who is looking to maximise the battery life and return on investment. 


Save with Strident

 

Welcome to the Save with Strident distributor support campaign.

Giving is one of the most under used tool in business, and without giving and sharing, our goals are seldom reached.

This distributor support programme is about giving the end-user the opportunity to enjoy their freedom by using Strident Power, plus it’s also about giving you, our distributor network, more opportunities to offer your customers an incentive to buy into and encourage brand loyalty, both yours and ours.

So how does this work?

Two ways.

  1. Over the next few weeks at Naidex, our team will be giving away vouchers to end users who own their equipment and may be in the market to buy within the next few months. These users will arrive at your store and present the voucher and if you are willing to accept you will deduct the amount off the final invoice ideally showing the voucher number.
  2. Another way this could be used is for you and your team to distribute to persons you feel would benefit from experiencing the power behind the Strident brand. Why not visit our stand at Naidex to obtain your free vouchers.

How do I claim the money back from Strident?

Whether the enquiry comes to you or you promote it to your customer, the processes is the same.

So, if you replace from Strident stock you currently hold then record the two serial numbers, the product code together with the user name and send to Strident with the voucher number to sales@strident.uk.com where we will authorise the claim and raise a credit to your account for the same amount.

Alternatively, should you need to purchase stock from Strident, please quote the unique voucher reference number and the user name when placing the order and the amount will be deducted off the invoice to you

Order can be place by emailing sales@strident.uk.com or phone 44(0)1362300102

This can be put on a credit account if facilities exist. Alternatively payment will be required with order

So, you find yourself asking what’s in it for me?

In short – you will receive happy, loyal returning customers and potentially customers new to you and the Strident brand.

We recommend that when replacing batteries you look at other associated products such tyres and chargers too, as both of these vital components impact the longevity of the battery and if not cared for can drastically reduce performance.

In summary, this is a win – win campaign. Strident offers great products together with unrivalled service, we want you to experience the power of this promotion, use it wisely but generously and remember, we will only be accepting one claim (pair of batteries) against each voucher.

We wish you all the best as we move into 2020 together.


naidex 2018 exhibitors

Naidex 2018 Exhibitors | Strident exhibiting mobility batteries, chargers, testers and tyres

Looking for battery or tyre providers amongst the Naidex 2018 Exhibitors? Come to Stand Number: 13166

The Strident team are looking forward to joining the Naidex 2018 Exhibitors on the 25th and 26th of April 2018 at the NEC Birmingham.   Picking up on the theme of the Naidex Exhibition - Innovations for the Future of Independent Living - Strident will have their innovative battery technology on display. Included in this will be a range of chargers and testers to make sure you keep your mobility batteries in optimum condition.  Finally, Strident have a traction range with tyres for all kinds of wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

You can see our full exhibitor entry and an introductory video in the Exhibitors section of Naidex Exhibition website.

Ask Strident a question about batteries, chargers and testers

If you are looking for inspiration as to how to look after the batteries and tyres upon which you depend, then we'd welcome a few minutes of your time on the stand. We love to answer questions - however random! Ask us:

  • how to get the maximum range out of mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs
  • how to make mobility batteries in scooters, lifters and hoists last longer
  • about the different kinds of batteries available
  • which battery is the right one for which task etc.

You'll find us at stand number 13166.

naidex 2018 exhibition

Why Strident?

If you have not already come across Strident products in your local or online retailer, here is a quick rundown of why you should take a look while attending the Naidex 2018 Exhibition.

Why use our batteries?

Today it is apparent that there is no universal battery to fit every application. We recognised this at Strident and invested in R & D and extensive product testing. The result is a battery that is ideally suited for the medical market, one that will sustain high demands of constant use and will perform to a high number of cycles. This battery gives dependent users the confidence in having power when and where they need it.

Why use our chargers and testers?

The consistency of charge produces optimum battery performance. As such, the Strident range of chargers has been carefully selected to provide that consistency. By utilising the three critical stages required for quality battery charging, the Strident range gives the peace of mind to achieve the very best from your equipment. With the use of the Strident intelligent three-stage charging technique, premature battery failure is significantly reduced by ensuring the correct levels of charge are applied at every stage regardless of size. This technique eliminates the risk of gassing that is often caused by overcharging by traditional single-stage charging. Furthermore, this also maintains plate quality at its best performance level by reducing compound breakdown.

Why use our traction products?

With over 15 years experience in the mobility industry, Strident is well placed to offer the broadest range of high-quality mobility consumables including a full range of mobility tyres. Whether you are looking for Tyres, Tubes, Pneumatic or Solid, you will find a solution for your traction needs.

Finding your way to see the Naidex 2018 Exhibitors


24v 5Amp Mobility Scooter Battery Charger Review

If you are looking for a 24v 5Amp mobility scooter battery charger, then here is a review of one of Strident Batteries' most popular products - the Strident CHE Charger CHE24-5.  This is one of the top selling battery chargers in the Strident range and is recognised by mobility and disability equipment installers and maintenance companies for some industry leading features.

But aren't all 24-volt battery chargers the same?

Are all battery chargers the same?  We don't think so - and given the vital role of a mobility scooter battery charger, we believe users need to have peace of mind that they can get the very best from their batteries. In addition to the quality of the battery itself, the battery charger plays a key role in achieving optimum battery performance.

What does a 24-volt battery charger need to offer in a mobility or medical setting?

The main factors that relate to the requirements for mobility and medical batteries:

1.     Correct levels of charge need to be applied to every stage of recharging

2.     Eliminate any risk of gassing caused by overcharging

3.     The recharging process doesn't damage the battery plates

How does Strident’s 24v 5Amp scooter battery recharger meet those requirements?

24v 5ah mobility scooter battery charger
All Strident Battery chargers use an intelligent three-stage charging process in order to meet all of the requirements listed above. The three stages  are:

 Stage 1: Bulk Charge

Where charging current is set to the maximum safety level. Continuing until the voltage has increased to 80 – 90% of the full charge level.

 Stage 2: Absorption Charge

The charging voltage remains constant, whilst the current reduces due to the increase in internal resistance. It is during this stage that the charging  voltage is at its highest.

Stage 3: Float Charge

Once the battery has reached optimum charge level this final stage helps to increase the longevity of the battery because the charging voltage and current is significantly reduced which maintains the battery at peak charge. Through the units intelligent monitoring of the battery condition this final and critical stage reduces the risk of gassing and minimises the possibility of self-discharge.

Through utilising our range of chargers you can be assured that your batteries are being charged, conditioned, and maintained to ensure peak performance and longevity.

Strident Service on top of the technology

In addition to our range of batteries, chargers, and traction products, Strident provides a very high level of service. If, for example, you would like any help identifying exactly the right product, then just call us on 01362 300102. One of our experts can talk you through all the options.

Please visit our Product page for details and enquiries or in order to arrange a callback.


12v 34ah mobility battery best seller

12v 34ah mobility battery – the UK’s most popular?

As we near the end of the year, we will now start to see all the lists of “top things in 2016”. So, we are going to strike first and declare the 12v 34ah mobility battery THE most popular battery for the mobility vehicle market.

Whilst we won’t pretend to have done a statistically representative poll of the whole market, we have seen the 12v 34ah battery consistently be our best seller through our large network of mobility distributors.   So why is this?

First of all due to Scooter Manufacturers

The first simple reason for this high demand is that the 12v 34ah is one of the most popular industry standard batteries that mobility scooter manufacturers put on their vehicles.   They specify such a deep cycle rechargeable battery to match the typical pattern of use that a mobility scooter gets.

Secondly - The balance of power output and length of operation

If you think of the contrast between a car battery and a mobility scooter battery, the car battery is used predominantly for a short burst of high energy to start the car. This kind of battery is never propelling the car!

A mobility scooter, however, has a different requirement and the battery is typically going to be for a more constant use e.g. driving the scooter from a house to local shops or for a visit to friends and family. The battery is, of course, propelling the vehicle, which takes a certain amount of energy to achieve.

For the average user weight and travelling distance required, the 12volt battery rated at 34 amp hours (AH) would suffice in the majority of applications

Performance vs Budget

Finally, we believe the popularity of this 12v 34ah battery is due to the match between performance and cost. There are always more powerful batteries but costs start to rise. Cheaper batteries either don’t hold the charge or don’t deliver enough operating time to make them a good choice.  So the 12v 34ah does seem to be in a good price/performance place for the average scooter.

Why use Strident’s 12v 34ah mobility battery

Take a look on our batteries page to see an outline of the key features of our batteries that make them work so well with mobility scooters, our range of high performing medical batteries extends to other medical devices like patient hoists. There are a few things in our design that optimise battery performance and life.

Specific details of our best seller can be clicking the image below:

12v 34ah mobility battery from Strident

 


Strident AGM Battery

12v 7ah Battery Product Review – for Mobility Applications

If you are looking for a 12v 7ah rated AGM Battery for use with a Mobility Scooter or Medical Hoist, then here is a review of the Strident Batteries AGM GP12-7.  This is one of the best selling batteries in the Strident range and recognised by mobility and disability equipment installers and maintenance companies for some industry leading features.

But all 12 volt batteries are the same…aren’t they?

What is the purpose of a review if every battery is the same?  Well, if you consider that these standard valve regulated lead acid rechargeable batteries were first launched in the 1970’s, you won’t be surprised that there design and performance has evolved somewhat since then.

What does a 12 volt rechargeable battery need to offer in a mobility or medical setting?

There are 3 main factors that feature in the requirements for mobility and medical batteries:

1.     The ability to sustain high demands of constant use

2.     Being able to perform a high number of operational cycles

3.     Trust from dependent users that it will perform when and where it is needed

How does Strident’s 12v 7ah battery meet those requirements?

Strident AGM 12v 7ah Battery
Strident AGM Battery
  • Valve Regulated. The performance of the valve equipment is to key to the effectiveness and longevity of a battery – particularly when it comes to charging. Strident use the highest specification for optimal venting.
  • Quality Control. A stringent testing procedure at both point of manufacture and point of despatch is essential. The second check is as crucial as the first and so Strident test each battery going out of its automated central warehouse.
  • Plate Separator. All high performing batteries need to have a plate separator system for increased efficiency and longevity. Strident use a superior quality glass matting separator in all AGM batteries and high performing polymer in Gel battery range.
  • Plate Composition. To give maximum performance during both cyclic and standby applications, Strident use a purified lead blended with critical conductive properties.

 

 

Strident Service on top of the technology

If the technical review of our 12v 7ah battery is not enough information, then we can also share this review of the whole Strident experience from a recent customer.

I chose this mobility battery for 3 reasons. Reasonably priced, fast delivery (also here when they were meant to be), and finally – VERY good quality! No problems with recharging them and they are fully charged in about 3 hours.

Thanks so very much.
AS June 2016

Please visit our Product page for details and enquiries or in order to arrange a callback.


What Makes a Quality Valve Regulated Lead Acid Battery?

When looking to purchase a power supply for vital (or even life-critical) equipment, quality and reliability are essential characteristics to look out for. But with so many choices on the market, it can be difficult to differentiate between a quality product and a potentially inferior one.

So how exactly do you identify a quality valve regulated lead acid battery?

While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to every type of power requirement, there are specific features to look out for which provide an excellent idea of where to start.

Quality Valve Regulated Lead Acid Battery

Valve Regulation

Valve regulated batteries allow the required level of venting, both in-use and more importantly during the charging process. This means excess gases can safely escape the battery, preventing swelling and damage to the product. Valve regulation is key to both Lead Acid and Gel technology, however, due the nature of the technology, venting is most critical with Lead Acid.

Plate Separators

A critical component of high performing batteries - plate separators ensure consistent spacing between plates, resulting in increased battery efficiency and longevity. Lead acid technology requires high-quality absorbent glass matting otherwise known as AGM. The quality of this matting is important to ensure correct porosity, which influences the contact of active electrolyte to the plates. Purity is another important factor in the separator to ensure no contaminants are introduced causing impedance to the battery efficiency.

In the case of Gel technology, the separator needs to be a high performing polymer which acts to retain the gelled electrolyte between plates. A poor quality polymer separator can result in crystallisation of the electrolyte leading to underperforming battery and premature failure.

Plate Composition

Purified lead, specifically blended with critical conductive properties are essential to quality performance in both cyclic and standby applications.

Quality Assurance

To ensure the highest performing products, there are a number of internationally respected standards that you should look for on any brand. The minimum level would be ISO9001 which monitors consistent quality. ISO14001 ensure the manufacturing facility operates to highest level of environmental standards.

All Strident batteries undergo stringent quality control both at the manufacture stage and pre-dispatch. This ensures our customers only draw the most reliable source of power. Be sure to ask your supplier about their quality assurance process for complete peace of mind.

Quality Valve Regulated Lead Acid Battery

For over 15 years Strident has invested large amounts of time and money in research, development and innovation in battery power, to ensure our products are suited to the high demands of the medical sector, demands that will sustain deep discharge and cyclic applications.

Our team have gained a vast knowledge of the requirements in the medical market and are always happy to assist with any queries you may have

You can contact us by phone on +44 (0)1362 300102, email us at sales@strident.uk.com, or reach us via our contact page, and we can arrange an inspiring presentation at a location and time that’s convenient to you.

For more information on our products, including batteries, charging accessories, and tyres, you can download one of our brochures, here.