The majority of portable suction devices are powered by sealed lead-acid batteries. While this type of battery uses stable and reliable chemistry, it can lose capacity over time and require replacement. When buying a replacement battery for your portable suction device, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
1. Purchase a battery made by a reputable manufacturer.
There are plenty of battery suppliers out there, but not all of them carry reliable brands. Many off-brand batteries have not been tested with a portable suction device and they may not deliver the performance you require. If possible, and for optimum performance, you should purchase the same brand of battery that came with the device or purchase the battery directly from the portable suction device manufacturer. A safe bet is to purchase your batteries from the manufacturer of your device. They have vetted the brand of batteries and they likely go through a large number of batteries on a monthly basis ensuring that the batteries are fresh and have not sat on the shelf for a long period of time.
2. Be sure the battery rating specifications and dimensions match your original battery.
There may be charging characteristics built into the electrical system of your portable suction device that are based on a specific battery specification. A modification to the battery specification could compromise the safety or performance characteristics of your suction device.
3. Purchase only the quantity of batteries that you need– do not store spare batteries unless you can keep them on charge.
While it may be convenient to have spare batteries on hand, don’t order extra batteries unless you can keep the batteries on charge during the time they are being stored.
Batteries will lose capacity – approximately 3% per month at room temperature – as they sit on the shelf if they are not being kept on charge. If the battery sits on the shelf for more than six months without being charged, it could be completely discharged just when you need it most. A good supplier should have a stock of replacement batteries immediately available to ship via next-day air in case of an emergency.
4. Purchase batteries from a supplier who properly cares for them.
A battery that is being stocked should be charged at a minimum of every six months. If a supplier keeps batteries on their shelf for extended periods and does not charge them when required, there is a good possibility the “new” battery you purchase will have lost capacity and will not run your portable suction device to specification.
Use a supplier that rotates their stock often or keeps the batteries on charge while they are being stored. Typically the manufacturer of your portable suction device will rotate their stock frequently, which ensures the battery you purchase from them is a healthy battery at full capacity.
5. Cost shouldn’t be a determining factor.
The cost of a replacement battery should not be the deciding factor when you purchase a replacement battery for your portable suction device. There are other factors to consider such as the specifications of the battery, and most importantly, to ensure the replacement battery you purchase is at full capacity to ensure your portable suction device will once again perform to specification.
Replacing a depleted battery in your portable suction device is one way to ensure your battery-powered portable suction device will operate to specification. Another way to ensure your portable suction device is performing to specification is to routinely test the performance of the vacuum pump. You can use the FREE SSCOR Aspirator Test Kit to test the performance of your vacuum pump.
Editor's Note: This blog was originally published in October, 2021. It has been re-published with additional up to date content.
