27/08/2026
In a conventional flooded lead-acid battery, the electrolyte is a mixture of sulphuric acid and water. During normal use, charging and discharging help keep that mixture relatively uniform. But when a battery spends long periods sitting partially charged or operating under light charge conditions, the acid can gradually separate from the water.
The heavier, more concentrated acid settles towards the bottom of the battery, while the weaker electrolyte remains near the top.
That is stratification.
Why is it significant?
The battery is no longer working with a consistent electrolyte concentration. The lower part of the battery can become exposed to excessive acid concentration, while the upper part receives too little. Over time, this can contribute to reduced capacity, poor charging performance, sulphation and shorter battery life.
Stratification is particularly relevant in applications where batteries are regularly used but not fully recharged, or where they spend extended periods on low charging currents.
Battery expertise goes further than knowing which battery type an application requires. It means understanding the conditions in which that battery will operate, the demands placed on it and what makes commercial sense for the customer.
That is where Battery Corp's national footprint, battery expertise and multi-brand range make a difference. We can match the right battery to the application, the operating conditions and the customer's budget - from everyday requirements to demanding working environments.
Got a battery question? Ask Bill.