In various aspects of our daily lives, from powering our car to switching on emergency lighting systems, choosing the right type of battery is very crucial.
There is no single type of battery that can be incorporated for all the purposes. But with the advancement of technology and the choice of chemical substances, better choices have arrived in the market.
Key Takeaways
- 8D batteries have a higher capacity and longer lifespan than 4D batteries.
- 8D batteries are larger and heavier, making them more challenging to transport and install.
- Depending on the required capacity, 4D and 8D batteries are commonly used in marine, solar, and industrial applications.
4D vs 8D Battery
The difference between 4D and 8D batteries lies in various aspects from weight and dimension to applications. 4D batteries are better suited to applications where the power load is not very large but they have the longest reserve capacities. On the other hand, an 8D battery has the advantage where many small lead-acid batteries can be replaced by a single 8D lead-acid/lithium battery.
Most 4D batteries are mainly recommended for deep-cycle use only. Deep cycle batteries refer to lead batteries that are designed to deeply discharge regularly using most of their capacities.
It means that the battery can provide power over a very long period until is it 80% discharged or more.
8D batteries are mainly known as commercial batteries because they are designed to take heavy loads, especially for off-grid applications.
Some places where 8D batteries are extensively used are RV house batteries, medical applications, for powering industrial vehicles and machines, etc.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | 4D Battery | 8D Battery |
|---|---|---|
| Dimension | A typical 4D battery has a dimension of 21*9*10 (inches). | A typical 8D battery has a dimension of 21*11*10 (inches). |
| Weight | A 4D battery weighs less than an 8D battery and is between 100-150 pounds. | An 8D battery weighs between 130-180 pounds. |
| Cold-cranking amps | A 4D battery can provide cold-cranking amps between 900-1300. | An 8D battery can provide cold-cranking amps of up to 1500. |
| Capacity | A typical 4D battery has a capacity of 150-220 amp-hours. | A typical 8D battery has more capacity than 4D batteries and has 230-330 amp-hours. |
| Advantage | It works well in situations where emergency services are required and can withstand harsh climates. | For high power requirements, it can replace several small lead-acid batteries. |
| Applications | It can be used in emergency alarm systems, lighting systems, standby power, solar power, RV, etc. | 8D lithium batteries are a better replacement for lead-acid batteries for marine and large off-grid applications. |
| Charging Time | 4D batteries take comparatively more time to charge than 8D batteries. | These batteries with the proper charge controller can speed up the charging process by five folds maximum. |
| Companies | Some of the companies that manufacture 4D batteries are PowerStar, NPP, Casil, and VMAX. | Some companies that sell 8D batteries are Lifeline, UPG, Sun Xtender, etc. |
| Warranty | 4D batteries come with a warranty of 12 or a maximum of 24 months. | 8D batteries have a warranty maximum of 10 years. |
What is a 4D Battery?
Group 4D batteries are designed to provide continuous power discharge and that is the reason why they have the longest reserve capacities.
These batteries can produce continuous and reliable power for as long as 4 to 6.5 hours between charging. Once they discharge 80% of their power or more, it has to be charged again.
4D batteries are not well suited for rapid power release which means they are not good as starting batteries. A 4D battery can be able to start a car but after using it for this kind of purpose it starts losing its ability to recharge.
4D batteries are heavy but not much as compared to 8D batteries. Though most of the 4D batteries designed by any company are likely to last for 1-2 years some of the deep cycles 4D batteries last for 10 years also.
There are several factors on which the life of the battery depends including type and duration of storage. If the charger recommended by the battery manufacturer is not used, it can reduce the battery life.
The main purpose of 4D batteries is to provide a steady, low amount of power but for a longer period. This can be achieved by having thicker battery plates.
Some 4D batteries are also dual-purpose batteries which means that apart from providing a stead power they can also be used for rapid power supply.
What is an 8D Battery?
8D batteries are large as compared to 4D batteries but sometimes they also match the dimension of 6D batteries. The large size of the battery means there are more thick plates inside the battery that gives it the advantage of more capacity.
This is one of the reasons why 8D batteries are more suitable for rapid power supply. One typical 8D battery is capable of replacing three small lead-acid batteries thus reducing the battery footprint.
These batteries are appropriate to do work like starting a car or powering heavy industrial machinery. 8D batteries also have higher CCA that can go up to 1500.
Together with high capacity and high CCA, 8D batteries are versatile choices for RVs and boats. Lithium 8D batteries are better than lead-acid 8D batteries because the former one weighs less and yet does the same job.
8D batteries are capable of storing and delivering a very large amount of energy. These batteries are also advised to be carried by at least two adults or people get injured in the process.
Most of the 8D batteries that we see today in the market are either AGM SLA batteries or Gel-Cell SLA batteries. Lithium-ion 8D batteries are not very common in the market.
Main Differences Between 4D and 8D Battery
- A typical 4D battery is smaller in size as compared to an 8D battery.
- The weight of a 4D battery is less than that of an 8D battery.
- 4D batteries have less CCA than 8D batteries but some of the deep-cycle 4D batteries can produce high CCA still not as much as 8D batteries.
- 4D batteries have less capacity than 8D batteries but they can produce power for a longer duration between charges.
- Charging time in 4D batteries are comparatively longer than in 8D batteries.
- 4D batteries have less warranty time than 8D batteries.
- 4D batteries are designed to offer a continuous power discharge whereas 8D batteries are more appropriate for rapid power discharge.
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