BLUF: Flooded cell and AGM batteries can be stored and charged in the same container according to TM 9-6140-200-13 (May 11).
Courtesy photo
Dear Half-Mast,
Our unit has a deployable container that we want to use for storing and charging both flooded cell and absorbed glass material (AGM) batteries. For safety purposes, we want to make sure that we can safely store and charge these batteries within this same container.
Is this ok?
SFC R.C
Dear Sergeant,
The short answer is, yes.
Though flooded cell and AGM batteries have some differences, the bottom line is, both are lead-acid batteries. However, you’ll need to follow the storage guidelines in WP 0028-3 of TM 9-6140-200-13 (May 11). Keep in mind that flooded cell batteries need a non-corrosive acid resistant container below the bottom shelf to capture any potential spills and leaks or the storage container will need a sealed containment floor coated with an acid resistant coating.
Also, WP-0025-4 tells you not to mix battery types (such as flooded cell 6TMF, AGM or GEL) on a buss bar or a single charger during battery charging because they can be overcharged and damaged.
Note that nickel cadmium batteries aren’t allowed to be stored with lead-acid batteries.