Charging sealed lead acid batteries

[homer2911]

Just changed my 5 leisure batteries for sla's, mainly because they were more readily available where I am. As recommended I changed the dip switch settings on my Sterling alternator regulator, resulting in a much much longer charging cycle. Was it necessary to do this, and what would be the result of reverting to the standard lead acid settings?

[cuthound]

The standard lead acid setting charges at a higher voltage than the SEA setting, which causes the sealed battery to gas more and become pressurised. At a certain pressure the safety valve lifts, to relieve the pressure thus venting the gas.

 

The problem is that the gas is meant to be recombined inside the cell to make the electrolyte, so you lose electrolyte and thus shorten the batteries life.