Brand New Red Flash Battery - Is 11.23V a Problem?

[Anwen]

As the title suggests, I have just taken delivery of a brand new Red Flash AGM battery from an internet supplier, and applying a DVM across the terminals gives a reading of 11.23V. This indicates that the battery is fully discharged, but should it be this low on receipt from the supplier? I'm concerned that the battery has been in stock for some time in this discharged state, and will be damaged. Internet searches for the normal voltage of a new battery as supplied from retailer have drawn a blank. Can anyone tell me whether I should be looking to return the battery or just put it on charge and be confident that it is good condition?

Thanks in advance.

 

[VicS]

I'd not be happy about that. It might recharge OK but you will never be sure that you will get the life from it that you expect.

It might be a dud that will never hold its charge properly.

Why not give DMS Technologies a ring for advice. http://www.dmstech.co.uk/
If its one thats been sitting on a shelf somewhere without proper recharging they will probably be interested to know.

 

[sarabande]

I agree with VicS. Worth escalating a possible issue.


FWIW I installed a couple of new AGMs a month ago. They came "dry" through the courier, with a separate container for the acid which served to inject the acid into the battery before use. The instructions said to let the battery settle after filling, then to charge for 24 hours with an intelligent charger.


The initial voltage was around 11.8, but after charging went up to 13.7 before I installed them.


Perhaps your supplier has not charged the battery properly ? Don't risk early failure; ask the maker.

 

[ditchcrawler]

I had a new Red Flash 1100 battery which when it arrived was at 12.7v.It is into it's eighth season now and still performs well starting my Volvo 2003 28HP with no problem.It has lost a bit of voltage and settles at 12.5 v when left for a week or so unused.I keep it topped up with a small solar panel in the winter.
I would notify the supplier with a view to getting a replacement.

 

[vyv_cox]

I had a new Red Flash 1100 battery which when it arrived was at 12.7v.

My new one of the same size was delivered to Greece about six weeks ago. I installed it two weeks later, 12.7 volts.

 

[Anwen]

Thanks all, I have contacted the vendor asking for their thoughts, and will wait to see what they say after the Bank Holiday. I very much appreciate you taking the time to help me with this. I'm inclined to ask for a replacement.

 

[Plevier]

Thanks all, I have contacted the vendor asking for their thoughts, and will wait to see what they say after the Bank Holiday. I very much appreciate you taking the time to help me with this. I'm inclined to ask for a replacement.

DEFINITELY insist on a replacement giving at least 12.6V.
Even better, insist on a refund and get one from DMS instead. Also report the case to them as they are the master distributors for UK retail market.

 

[Anwen]

Quick update. Spoke to DMS who advised that the battery was unlikely to give normal service having self-discharged so deeply. I talked to the supplier and they agreed that it shouldn't have been sold and will be collecting it tomorrow. This afternoon, I ordered an Optima red top which will do the job. DMS weren't interested in who the supplier was, and were significantly more expensive, hence went with an alternative brand. Thanks again to all who responded with sage advice.