Flat Plate Battery Vs Tall Tubular Battery- Which is Better?

Flat Plate Battery Vs Tall Tubular Battery offers a better understanding about how our appliances work and how to select the right one. There are various battery types to select from, and we have come a long way from the large, bulky ones. However, the basic components of the battery remain the same in all types. This mainly comprises the electrolyte and the electrodes that lead to the chemical reaction that causes the flow of charge. Here, the electrolyte is the medium that allows the flow of the electrons to and fro from the electrodes, while the electrodes are metallic conductors that are known to store the power within them.

Before we discuss Tall tubular battery vs flat plate battery, let us take a look at the various types of batteries:

According to the Electrolytes: 

  • The Gel type
  • The AGM type
  • The Flooded type

According to the Electrodes: 

  • Flat Plate
  • The Tall Type
  • The Tubular Type

Before we discuss the main differences between the two battery types, let us know the similarities between the two battery types. The two types belong to the lead-Acid battery type; however, this is where the similarity somewhat ends between the two. Let us take a deeper look into each battery type:

What Is a Flat Plate Battery?

The Flat Plate battery is also considered to be the ‘first-generation’ battery and is commonly used in most Indian homes. This battery type comprises the leads as an electrode and the Lead oxide as the electrolyte. The best part about the Flat Plate batteries is that they are light-weighted and fall into the budget buy. However, on the flip side, the working plate battery is that the user will have to keep replenishing the distilled water in them every three to six months. This is also one of the main reasons for these battery types to be short-lived as well.

Other mains aspect to consider when purchasing this battery type is that these can also be quite unsafe for regular usage. The main reason for this is that they regularly emit toxin gases during their usage, hence requiring a well-ventilated place for their placement at home.

The Advantages Of A Flat Plate Battery

Let us take a look at some of the benefits of the Flat Plate Battery:

  • These are budget-friendly and hence, are widely used in most homes.
  • This battery type is most suited for areas where power cuts are prevalent.

The Disadvantages Of Flat Plate Battery

Let us take a look at some of the cons of Flat Plate batteries:

  • These battery types require more time in comparison to getting completely charged.
  • The Flat Plate battery has a shorter life span.
  • It is recommended to avoid using this battery type at places where power cuts are extended. This is because this battery type does not undergo deep charging.
  • Not exactly a great idea for indoor use.
  • This battery type requires regular maintenance and refilling of the distilled water within, which can be tiresome.

What Is Tall Tubular Battery?

The Tall tubular battery is also known to be the improvised version of the Flat Plate battery. These also require less maintenance as compared to the Flat plate types. The best part about the working of tall tubular batteries is that these require far less maintenance in comparison. Though these also fall in the lead-Acid battery family, they have a good amount of protection in the form of cloth covering. The lifespan is enhanced in this type because the decaying process is greatly reduced as a result of the protective coating. This way, one does not have to constantly refill the battery with distilled water.

The Advantages Of Tall Tubular Battery

Let us take a look at some of the main benefits of the tall tubular battery type:

  • An extended warranty is provided for this battery type by the manufacturers.
  • Less water topping is required in this battery type.
  • These are designed for deep discharge, hence can be widely used for areas where extended power cuts are experienced.
  • Less recharging time is experienced in this battery type, hence a perfect choice for areas where constant power cuts are experienced.
  • These are reliable choices as compared to the other battery types.

The Disadvantages Of Tall Tubular Battery

Here are a few cons of the tall tubular battery types:

  • Water toppings are required, though few in between.
  • These are expensive of the lot. 

Flat Plate Battery Vs Tall Tubular Battery

FEATURES

TALL TUBULAR BATTERY

FLAT PLATE BATTERY

Type of Electrode

Tube-Positive, Plate-Negative

Negative and Positive Plates

The lifespan

Five years on an average

Three years on an average

Efficiency

No Power is lost or wasted, hence considered more efficient of the lot.

A considerable amount of charge is wasted in this type. Hence less efficient.

Maintenance

Easy to maintain

Rapid water topping is required, hence high maintenance.

Level of Safety

Quite safe

Not all that safe, as toxic gases are released

Ventilation

Not required

Is required, as toxic gases are released.

Weight

Heavier in comparison

Lightweight

Cost

Is comparatively expensive

Cheaper

Flat Plate Battery Vs Tall Tubular Battery: The Conclusion

So, people, these are some of the facts, features, and aspects of the Tall Tubular and the Flat plate battery types. When selecting between the two, it is necessary to consider a few aspects like:

  • The budget you have.
  • The area you live in.
  • The maintenance you are ready to take charge of.
  • How ventilated your home is.

Batteries are an essential part of most appliances used in our homes. Hence we must select the right kind. However, due to rapid technological advancement, our batteries and appliances are turning sleeker, slimmer, and smarter.

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