Battery Boxes 101: Important Features and Different Types Explained

 Vehicles nowadays are more advanced than ever and they're constantly improving, however, certain components haven't changed for as long as cars have been around. One of those components is the battery which has had different variations come out, but the same old tech has stayed around for about 150 years now.

Despite that, all car batteries work mainly the same. This means the process of turning chemical energy into electricity is still there, it's just that the chemical used is different as it can be a liquid or a solid. No matter the type of electrolyte your battery uses, it does the same exchange of ions which needs to be protected in order for the battery to operate properly for a long time.

What Matters in a Battery Box

source: aussiedisposals.com.au

Size

One of the most important features of a battery box that isn't as obvious at times is its size. In order for the box to be usable with your battery it needs to be able to accommodate it which is why it should have the correct dimensions. Make sure your new battery box in Australia is able to fit your battery exactly so that you get the most out of it.

Battery Type

To ensure that your battery is properly protected and it's securely held in place by the battery box make sure you take into account the type of battery you have in your vehicle. Certain types of batteries require specific features to be present on the box in order for them to operate accordingly.

Material

The material battery boxes and accessories are made of determine how durable they are and how safe they make it for the battery. A weather-resistant material that is corrosion-resistant too is key and those include materials such as plastic, stainless steel and fibreglass. Stainless steel is the strongest material while plastic is the most affordable and fibreglass makes for the lightest battery boxes.

Ventilation

If your battery is known to generate a build-up of gasses you should then consider a battery box in Australia that comes with vents. Proper ventilation is key with such car batteries in order to ensure a safe drive and a battery that is well protected during said drive. The vents can be in the form of holes and slots varying in size and location.

Brackets

No matter how well your battery fits in the box, if the latter isn't properly secured on your vehicle, more serious issues can arise, especially on a camping trip. This is why you should consider getting a battery power box for camping that has mounting brackets included with it. These brackets hold the box down with the battery no matter the terrain you're on.

Circuit Breakers

For an additional layer of protection, you should keep in mind battery boxes and accessories that make use of either fuses or a circuit breaker. Either of them are able to prevent an excessive amount of current from flowing through and damaging the battery or other components in your car. For a fuse or circuit breaker to be effective take into account their amp rating so it's enough to handle the battery's capabilities.

Temperature

There are battery boxes and accessories that are able to monitor the temperature of the battery. These are more expensive boxes than your regular battery box that just protect the battery from impacts, however, they are much better at keeping the battery safe as any temperature fluctuations can harm the battery's lifespan.

Balancing Circuit

If you happen to have a Li-ion battery you are better off going with a battery box that has a balancing circuit. This type of circuit helps ensure that each of the cells in the battery is charged evenly which helps make the most out of the battery's life. Just make sure that the box's balancing circuit is compatible with your battery.

Types of Battery Boxes

Standard

A basic or standard battery box is one that offers only protection from the elements, acid leaks and impacts. This is not the easiest battery box to install however it is the most affordable one as you need to sort out all the wiring yourself. If you want more convenience you should avoid a basic battery box.

Pre-Wired

As its name suggests, a pre-wired battery box is one that doesn't require you to fiddle with wires in order to install it. This makes it more user-friendly but also less affordable than a standard box however the difference in price is not that major.

Power Hubs

With a power hub battery box, you get more than just protection from leaks, impacts and environmental factors. Power hubs are made to provide power anywhere, any time as they come with power outlets allowing you to charge different types of devices with it. 

Advanced

Advanced battery boxes, on the other hand, come with all of the above connections and conveniences while being more rugged than any of the above types of boxes. Advanced boxes can also be used with any type of battery.