Batteries
Wet Cell Batteries
Wet Cell Batteries is a group of 32 IMPA-coded items (codes 792511–792591) under Batteries in the Electrical Equipment section (IMPA 79). All of them are priced per piece. The list runs through 13 metric sizes from 162 mm to 227 mm.
Buying guide
Wet-cell batteries are flooded 12 V lead-acid batteries. On board they start lifeboat and rescue-boat engines, emergency generators and portable pumps, and back up small DC loads. The IMPA descriptions name each one by its Japanese type code (for example 55D23R), its capacity at the 5-hour rate and its case dimensions, so a replacement can be matched to the battery box it sits in.
The electrical officer or second engineer raises them, usually when a battery fails a load test or when the lifeboat-engine battery reaches its replacement date. They are heavy, carry acid and gas when charging, which is why they are stored and handled under the battery-compartment rules below.
How to specify it
Quote the full type code exactly as it is printed on the old battery, including the terminal letter at the end, and the case dimensions; a battery with the same capacity but a different case or terminal layout will not fit or connect. JIS D 5301 is the Japanese standard for 12 V lead-acid starter batteries; note that it does not cover valve-regulated (sealed VRLA) batteries, so a "maintenance-free" substitute may be built to a different standard.[1]
Capacity figures are only comparable at the same discharge rate. The IMPA descriptions give ampere-hours at the 5-hour rate, while JIS D 5301 tests the 20-hour rate capacity (C20) and cold cranking amperes (CCA); ask each supplier to state the rate behind the figure they quote, and give the CCA if the battery starts an engine.[1]
Say how you want it delivered — filled and charged, or dry with electrolyte separately — and whether the old batteries must be taken back for disposal, so the bids cover the same scope.
Rules and certificates
COSWP asks for battery containers and compartments to be kept well ventilated because batteries give off gas when charging; no smoking or open flame in the compartment, with a notice at the entrance; lighting fittings there of intrinsically safe design; and no portable electric lamps or tools that might spark. A short circuit of a single cell can ignite hydrogen.[2]
Alkaline (nickel-cadmium) and lead-acid batteries should be kept in separate compartments or screened apart, with separate servicing tools, because mixing electrolytes can cause a dangerous reaction. Batteries should be moved upright to avoid spilling electrolyte, and acid is handled with goggles, rubber gloves and an apron.[2]
Questions buyers ask
- Can a maintenance-free battery replace a wet-cell one?
- Only if the case size, terminal position and capacity match. COSWP notes that "maintenance free" batteries still lose water and gas with excess use or incorrect application, so the compartment ventilation and no-flame rules still apply.
- Why do two quotes for the "same" battery show different ampere-hours?
- They are probably quoting different discharge rates. IMPA lists capacity at the 5-hour rate; many makers publish the 20-hour rate used in JIS D 5301 testing, which gives a higher number for the same battery.
Sources
Published by Sherif Awad, founder of GeoMarineHub — in ship supply since 1990, a family business since 1981 (45 years). Last checked .
At a glance
Part of Electrical Equipment (IMPA section 79): Lamps, cable, switches, fuses, batteries, connectors, marine lighting fittings and meters.
It is one of 16 groups under Batteries; the others include ALCAD Nickel Cadmium Batteries, Alkaline Batteries, Battery Chargers, Battery Chargers for Rechargeable Battery, Battery Hydrometers and 10 more.
Post the ones you need as a requirement and verified suppliers activated at your port bid on them — sealed, so nobody sees another bid.
- Items
- 32
- IMPA codes
- 792511–792591
- Priced
- per piece
- Sizes
- 162 mm – 227 mm
Items
Also under Batteries
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