Which maintenance practice is applicable to sealed valve regulated lead-acid batteries?

Sealed valve regulated lead-acid batteries, often referred to as VRLA batteries, are designed to be maintenance-free, which means that they do not require regular checks of fluid levels or replenishment of electrolytes like traditional flooded lead-acid batteries. This type of battery uses a gel or absorbed glass mat (AGM) technology that minimizes the need for maintenance.

Cleaning terminals is an important practice because, over time, corrosion can build up on the battery terminals, leading to poor connections and reduced performance. Keeping the terminals clean ensures optimal conductivity and prolongs the life of the battery by preventing issues related to poor electrical connections.

In contrast, checking fluid levels is not applicable since sealed batteries do not have accessible fluid levels; equalization charges are typically not performed on VRLA batteries due to the risk of overcharging, which can lead to venting or leakage, and scrubbing lead plates is unnecessary as these batteries do not allow access to the plates and do not require this maintenance activity.

Thus, cleaning terminals is the most relevant maintenance practice for sealed valve regulated lead-acid batteries, ensuring they operate effectively while preventing connectivity issues.