GEL Batteries – Continuing to Innovate

It’s sometimes strange to think that products as everyday as batteries could still be being innovated and improved upon. But ever since their conception in the 1800’s, battery technologies have evolved tremendously, and are continuing to do so.

Here at Strident, we’re always working on our battery technology in order to deliver the finest service and greatest reliability to our customers.

GEL batteries

One of our most popular types of product is our line of GEL batteries, as these are used in a variety of applications - from mobility scooters to life critical support units.

So how are Strident GEL batteries innovating, and making themselves attractive alternatives to conventional sealed lead-acid technology?

  • The Strident range of GEL batteries is designed to resist deep discharges and recovery after heavy usage, even when they’re not recharged immediately
  • They provide excellent performance over long discharges
  • They boast outstanding tolerance to higher temperature applications (-25 - +55C)
  • Their limiting design protects the positive plates to greatly improve their cycle life
  • They can be discharged even when full recharge has not been achieved, without loss of battery capacity
  • They use thicker plates for reduced grid corrosion and increased cycle life
  • They also boast an extended shelf life, and are designed to last for over ten years

Our GEL batteries are even tried and tested in rugged environments, in order gauge their performance in extreme circumstances.

Here at Strident, these are just one of the product types we’re continuing to improve every day.

If you think GEL batteries might be the perfect choice for your application, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team here at Strident. With over 15 years of direct experience with battery power, our knowledgeable staff are happy to help you make an informed decision.

You can get in touch with us directly on 0845 555 5511, or message us via the contact page. For more information on our products, including our selection of innovative battery types, you can download one of our brochures here.


Choosing the right tyres

A good mobility scooter can only perform at its best if it’s using quality parts; and here at Ivanhoe we’ve talked a lot about quality batteries lately. Equally important however, is a good choice of tyre.

But how do you choose the right tyre for your scooter?

First and foremost, they need to be the right size. There’s a huge volume of tyre sizes out there for various types of scooter, and the wrong size either simply won’t fit, or could be dangerous to ride on.

The easy way to tell what size you need is by taking a quick look at the sides of your existing tyres. Typically, the tyre dimensions will be embossed on here, or may be located on the inside of the tyre itself. Make a note of these dimensions and you should be able to spot the same sizes in a supplier catalogue or online store.

Do bear in mind that some models of scooters use different sized tyres on the front end, to those on the back.

Once you’ve got a handle on what size you need, you’ll likely come across a choice between solid tyres, or air filled/pneumatic ones.

Which of these you choose, tends to come down to personal preference.

Air-filled tyres have the advantage for comfort, as they absorb impacts and make for a less bumpy ride.

They are more prone to puncture however, and must be kept at a consistent pressure. So generally speaking, they require a higher level of maintenance.

Soild tyres on the other hand, cannot be punctured, and can’t deflate, as there’s no air inside to escape. This does make them excellent low-maintenance choices, but at the cost of a potentially more comfortable ride.

Here at Ivanhoe, all of our tyres (regardless of type) are carefully sourced to ensure they meet the highest quality control standards. Only products that demonstrate a proven, high level of performance and integrity, become part of our range of mobility products.

For additional advice on choosing mobility scooter tyres, don’t hesitate to ask the helpful team here at Ivanhoe. Our knowledgeable team is happy to answer any questions and assist you make an informed decision.

You can get in touch with us directly on 0845 555 5511, or message us via the contact page. For more information on any of our products, please download one of our brochures.

 


Storing Batteries - Our Top Tips

Depending on your specific needs, you may not use your batteries on a daily basis. In which case, the issue of how best to store them becomes very important.

So what exactly is the best way to effectively store your batteries? The answer really depends on the product’s type, or chemistry.

The recommended temperature to store most battery types at, is around 15°C.
At extreme temperatures, they can be stored at a minimum of -40°C, and a maximum of 50°C. There are more important considerations other than just temperature however.

storing batteries

For example, lead acid batteries should always be kept fully charged during storage. But nickel and lithium based chemistries should be stored at around 40% of their maximum capacities. This is in order to reduce any potential capacity loss, while still ensuing the battery runs optimally.

Bear the following points in mind when storing batteries for any length of time:

• Before storing your batteries, remove them from any equipment they might be attached to, and ensure they’re placed in a cool, dry area.
• Make sure they’re not likely to freeze over. Remember that they will freeze more easily if they’ve been drained.
• Lead acid batteries should be charged before storing, and you should regularly check their charge levels.
• Nickel batteries can be safely stored for up to five years with no charge in them if necessary.
• Lithium-ion batteries should be stored at around 40% capacity.
• Remember to keep all battery products out of reach of children.

storing batteries

For additional tips on battery storage, or for advice on purchasing new batteries, don’t hesitate to ask the team here at Ivanhoe.

With over 15 years of direct experience with battery power, our knowledgeable team is happy to help you make an informed decision.

You can get in touch with us directly on 0845 555 5511, or message us via the contact page. For more information on any of our products, please download one of our brochures.


Maintaining Your Scooter Batteries – Our Top Tips

It’s always a sensible idea to invest in good quality batteries for your mobility scooter. But once purchased, properly maintaining those batteries should be an important practice. You can expect most battery products to last around a year before they’re in need of replacement. But with the following tips, they could last much longer - providing maximum value-for-money and reliability.

Maintaining Your Scooter Batteries

Don’t overcharge them

Overcharging is one of the most common causes of shortened battery lifespans. Mobility scooter batteries will tend to reach capacity (from empty) over the course of around 8 hours. So if you charge your batteries overnight, be sure to disconnect your charger in the morning once the batteries are full. Try and get in the habit of connecting and disconnecting your charger at the same times each day, to get into a proper routine. Chargers with built-in overcharge protection (like the ones here) can also help to negate this issue.

Run new batteries down

Every set of new batteries you purchase should be charged up to full and then run down a few times before use. This helps them to operate optimally and provide accurate readouts of their current charge level.

Make sure you’re using the correct charger

This should be obvious, but incorrect charger use can be especially harmful to your batteries’ longevity. Make sure that you use a charger recommended by your battery’s manufacturer, or one specified in your product’s manual. Take a look at our page on selecting the best charger for your battery, for a few more pointers.

Drain and charge them when they’re not in use

If you don’t use your mobility scooter regularly, your batteries won’t get used (or charged) as often as they should. Inactivity can be damaging to the battery’s chemicals, so be sure to drain and charge your batteries at least once every six weeks.

Maintaining Your Scooter Batteries

For more tips on battery maintenance, or for advice on purchasing new batteries for your scooter, don’t hesitate to ask the team here at Ivanhoe.

With over 15 years of direct experience with battery power, our knowledgeable team is happy to help you make an informed decision.

You can get in touch with us directly on 0845 555 5511, or message us via the contact page. For more information on any of our products, please download one of our brochures here.


Choosing the Best Battery Charger

Identifying the right type of battery for your device is usually a straightforward process. User manuals and manufacturer information tend to recommend a particular type and voltage. But when it comes to choosing a quality battery charger, there’s often a greater selection and a bit less direction.

Using a quality charger will ensure your batteries are being effectively conditioned and maintained. So what are the essential steps to choosing the best battery charger?

  • Firstly, pick a charger that’s intended for your battery’s chemistry i.e. lead acid, gel, AGM, etc. and make sure that the battery voltage matches that of the charger.
  • If you’re looking for a high wattage charger, remember that these shorten charge times, but there are limitations as to how fast a battery can be charged, and fast charging can cause stress.
  • If you’re looking for a lead acid charger, check that it switches to a float charge when fully saturated.
  • If you need a nickel-based charger, check that it switches to a trickle charge when full.
  • Regardless of your battery type, check that your charger has a temperature override to end charge on a faulty battery.

Here at Ivanhoe, our range of battery chargers cover 12 and 24v applications, including bench chargers with crocodile clip and 3-pin XLR connectors. Their intelligent systems work through three charging stages to ensure maximum battery efficiency and longevity.

The stages begin with a bulk charge - where the charging current is set to the maximum safety level, and charges to 80 – 90% of the battery’s full charge level.

This is then followed by an absorption charge – where the charging voltage remains constant and the current reduces due to the increase in internal resistance.

The process finishes with a float charge – where once the battery has reached optimum charge level, the charging voltage and current is significantly reduced. This helps to increase the longevity of the battery.

With this intelligent three-stage charging technique, premature battery failure is significantly reduced, as the correct levels of charge are applied at every stage of the process. This also eliminates risk of gassing often caused by overcharging in traditional single-stage charging.

With over 15 years of direct experience with battery power, our knowledgeable team is happy to assist in choosing the best battery charger for your product.

If you’d like any assistance in finding a reliable, long-lasting charger, get in touch with us today on 0845 555 5511 or message us via the contact page.


Advantages of Lead Crystal Batteries

Those of you who’ve shopped online for batteries before, are probably familiar with AGM, Gel and small-cell batteries. But you may not have come across Lead Crystal Batteries as possible power solutions.

But what exactly are lead crystal batteries, and what makes them worth considering for your application?

There are a number of great benefits to these power sources, which make them an excellent choice in a number of situations. As a result, they’re commonly used today in telecommunications, wind and solar power, healthcare, manufacturing and electric vehicles.

Firstly, they can be charged faster than most conventional batteries and be safely discharged to 0 volts without being put under stress. They can also be discharged more often and will comfortably operate between extreme temperatures of -40 to 65 C (making them great for regular use in harsh environments.) And incredibly, they require no extra ventilation or cooling to operate under these conditions.

They’re also much safer than many other battery types in both their day-to-day use and in the long term. As they use less acid and no cadmium or antimony, this reduces the risk of harmful leakage, and they’re up to 99% recyclable depending on the make and model.

This reduced risk even results in lead crystal batteries being classified as non-hazardous for transport, reducing potential issues that might arise when travelling internationally.

The batteries’ overall resilience means they boast a float service life of up to 18 years and can be stored for up to two years without needing to be refreshed or recharged.

If you’re unsure if lead crystal battery power is right for your product or application, don’t hesitate to ask the team here at Ivanhoe. With over 15 years of direct experience with battery power, our knowledgeable staff are happy to help you make an informed decision.

You can get in touch with us directly on 0845 555 5511, or message us via the contact page. For more information on our products, including charging accessories, you can download one of our brochures here.


Strident Homepage September 2016

Announcing the launch of our new Strident Batteries website

After several years of service, we thought it was finally time to redesign the old website and replace it with a slicker, more advanced responsive WordPress website. We are also using our new trading form - so welcome to the Strident Batteries website.

So what’s new?

We’ve refreshed the content and tied it all in with our social media activity, as well as introducing a fresher and more dynamic “News” section which will keep you informed on what we’re up to and any useful insight we think is worth sharing.

The design of the site is focused on user experience across a range of devices including desktop machines, laptops, iPads and tablets and also mobile users.

We value your opinion

We know how busy you are but if you have a minute, have a browse and see what you think. We’d welcome any feedback and thoughts.

Please also let us know if you cannot find something or would like to make any suggestions for new information or topics.

Many thanks for your ongoing support and we look forward to hearing from you


Batteries for the Medical Sector

You might be surprised at just how many different battery types are used in a modern hospital. Between heart-rate monitors, respirators, comms devices and pacemakers, there’s an essential need for different battery types throughout the medical sector.

But the most commonly used batteries for life-critical medical applications are SLAs or ‘Sealed Lead Acid’ batteries. Contained in plastic casing, these are perfect for backing up equipment like emergency lighting and ventilators.

But why are SLAs right for such important applications?Batteries for the Medical Sector

Characteristics of Batteries for the Medical Sector

First seen in the 1970’s, SLA batteries were designed with a built-in valve to control venting of gases during stressful charge and rapid discharge. Rather than submerging the battery plates in a liquid (like most others at the time), the electrolyte is fed into a moistened separator, enabling use of the battery in any position without it leaking.

Perhaps the most significant advantage of sealed lead acid is its ability to prevent water loss. It does this by combining oxygen and hydrogen internally; creating water and greatly increasing its own longevity.

Over time, several types of sealed lead acid batteries have emerged - the fastest growing being gel (also known as valve-regulated lead acid/VRLA) and absorbent glass mat (or AGM.) Because of their low cost, reliability and low maintenance requirement, these battery types have established themselves as the default choice for the medical sector.

While VRLAs remains the most requested batteries on the market today, the technology has evolved rapidly through proactive research and development.Batteries for the Medical Sector

Here at Strident we offer a range of batteries for the medical sector, such as Gel and Lithium. We also stock a range of lead crystal batteries, that hold many unique features suited to any critical power application.

With over 15 years of direct experience with battery power, our knowledgeable team is happy to assist in choosing a reliable, long-lasting product.

If you work in a medical environment that uses batteries for life-critical applications; get in touch with us today on 0845 555 5511 or message us via the contact page.


Testing Mobility Scooter Batteries – Pre-Holiday Checks

For most of us, preparing to go on holiday can be a stressful experience.

Between sorting accommodation, packing clothes and finding travel documents; there are plenty of potential headaches to contend with. But testing the batteries on your mobility scooter needn’t be one of them.

Ensuring they’re in top condition before the trip should be an essential check on your pre-holiday to-do list. It’s a quick and simple process and one that could prevent a tricky situation while you’re away.

testing mobility scooter battery

 

Testing Mobility Scooter Batteries - Your Quick Guide

Your scooter’s battery indicator can be a helpful tool for checking more than just its current charge level. Typically, these take the form of a set of LEDs or a needle indicator, and will vary in location depending on your scooter’s model.

With the batteries fully charged, press or push the levers that make the scooter run. If the indicators decrease immediately, this could mean your batteries are weak and in need of replacement.

Another method for checking is to drive your scooter up a gradient equal to around 75% of its capability. Take a look at the indicator’s level as you begin to move up the slope. If it drops from full to around the halfway mark (or lower), this is another indication that the batteries may need replacing.

If everything’s in working order, then great! Your batteries are ready for the trip. The next essential check on your list should be the battery charger.

mobility scooter battery charger

Testing your battery charger

Firstly, you’ll need to know your scooter’s maximum drive distance, which can be found its manual.

Plug your charger in overnight, and the following day, take your scooter for a ride. Drive until the scooter’s drained and make a note of your travelled distance. Now charge the batteries again overnight and repeat. So long as you reach approximately the same distance each day, then you know the charger is working effectively. If you find that you’ve not been able to go as far from one day to the next, the charger may be faulty and in need of replacement.

If you suspect a fault but aren’t certain, we’d recommend getting in touch with your nearest mobility retailer, where they can offer professional testing.

If there are no issues with either your batteries or charger, you should be good to go. Bringing spares is always a sensible idea (especially for longer trips.) And remember that if you’re flying abroad, you’ll need to notify your airline of the equipment you're travelling with ahead of time.

If you need any extra help with testing mobility scooter batteries, or are in need of new ones, you can get in touch with the experts here at Ivanhoe.

With over 15 years of direct experience with battery power, our knowledgeable team is happy to assist in choosing a reliable, long-lasting product.

You can call us directly on 0845 555 5511, or get in touch via the contact page.


Trade days 2016

New High Performing Gel Batteries launched at Trade Days exhibition

Strident entered the Trade Days show with a larger stand pace and once again as the main show sponsor. With an elevated presence, Strident was well positioned to launch its range of high performing Gel batteries.

high performing gel batteriesWith the addition of a very large replica battery along with other innovative ideas, Strident attracted a large amount of interest from both existing clients and prospect who all saw the true value in the brand.

The 2015 show brought us a vast number of leads, and it connected us to companies who believe in our products and who saw value in our leading level of service.

We trust that you had the opportunity to visit our stand and discover what it’s like to work with an industry leading company. Should you have any queries, please call on 44 (0)1362 300102 or email the Sales Team at Strident.