Introduction to the product and its key features
TheNP17-12I 12V 17Ah AGM VRLA Batteryis a sealed lead‑acid battery designed for reliable standby and light cyclic applications. Built with absorbed glass mat (AGM) technology and valve‑regulated lead‑acid (VRLA) construction, it delivers maintenance‑free operation, strong short‑pulse discharge capability and a design life rated up to five years under EUROBAT classifications. Typical uses include UPS systems, fire and security panels, emergency lighting, access control and small renewable installations. With compact dimensions (181 × 76 × 167 mm), a mass of 6.1 kg and M5 threaded terminals, the NP17-12I balances performance, safety and installation convenience.
- Nominal voltage and capacity: 12 V, 17 Ah (20‑hour rate).
- AGM VRLA construction: maintenance‑free, no free acid, gas recombination.
- High short‑pulse discharge: capable of high currents for brief periods (e.g., 500 A for 1 s).
- M5 threaded terminals: secure connections with a recommended torque of 2.45 Nm.
- Compact and durable: ABS case options (standard or flame‑retardant variant) and a low‑pressure relief valve per cell.
- Up to 5 years design lifeunder normal use (EUROBAT classification).
Detailed specifications and benefits
The NP17-12I packs a comprehensive set of technical specifications that translate into practical benefits for installers, integrators and end users. Below are the key specification groups and the advantages they provide.
- Nominal voltage: 12 V — compatible with a wide range of legacy and modern backup systems.
- Capacity: 17 Ah (20‑hr rate); 15.7 Ah (10‑hr rate) — well suited to medium‑duration backup and cyclic duties.
- Internal resistance and impedance: low internal resistance (34.47 mΩ) and impedance (~15 mΩ @1 kHz) — delivers stable voltage under load and efficient charge acceptance.
- Short‑pulse discharge: 1 s: 500 A; 1 min: 150 A — ideal for applications that need high surge currents, such as alarm systems or motor starts in small devices.
- Short‑circuit current: 421 A (EN IEC 60896‑21) — a useful indicator for designers planning protective circuits and fusing.
- Dimensions: 181 × 76 × 167 mm — compact footprint for rack, cabinet or enclosure mounting.
- Mass: 6.1 kg — manageable by a single technician for quick replacement.
- Case material: ABS standard (UL94:HB) with an available FR (UL94:V0) variant — choose the flame‑retardant option where local codes or equipment specs require it.
- Terminals: M5 threaded (female/internal) with recommended torque 2.45 Nm — provides secure connections that resist vibration and accidental loosening, useful in mobile or industrial environments.
- Float voltage: 13.65 V per block (2.275 V/cell) @20°C — ideal setting for long‑term standby to keep the battery charged without overcharging.
- Cyclic/boost voltage: 14.5 V per block (2.42 V/cell) @20°C;max cyclic charge4.25 A — use these settings for systems where the battery regularly cycles (e.g., renewable energy backup or frequent deep discharge events).
- Temperature compensation: Float −3 mV/°C/cell; Cyclic −4 mV/°C/cell — adjusting charger setpoints for ambient temperature helps maximise life and avoid thermal overcharge or undercharge.
- Temperature ranges: Charge −15°C to +50°C; Discharge −20°C to +60°C; Storage −20°C to +60°C (fully charged). Ensure the battery is charged before long storage periods.
- Orientation: Flexible, but not recommended for continuous inverted operation.
- Pressure relief: Low‑pressure release valve per cell ensures safe venting under abnormal conditions.
- Recycling and disposal: As a lead‑acid battery, it must be recycled or disposed of per local regulations; do not incinerate.
Use cases and scenarios where the NP17-12I excels
The balance of capacity, pulse performance and maintenance‑free construction makes the NP17-12I a versatile choice across many applications:
- UPS systems: For small to medium uninterruptible power supplies, the NP17-12I provides reliable ride‑through power during mains interruptions and accepts charge quickly when the mains returns.
- Fire and security systems: Alarm panels and fire control systems require dependable standby power and the ability to deliver a high short‑pulse current when sirens and peripherals activate — strengths of this battery.
- Emergency lighting: Compact size and VRLA construction make the battery easy to integrate into emergency lighting packs where maintenance access is limited.
- Access control and access barriers: The NP17‑12I is a common choice for door controllers, electric strikes and barrier motors where moderate cyclic duty and surge current capability are needed.
- Small renewable systems: For small off‑grid or hybrid systems, it can act as a buffer or backup battery when paired with appropriate charge controllers and temperature compensation.
- Telecom and monitoring: Remote monitoring sites, small telecom nodes and repeaters can use this battery as a local backup where space is constrained.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When selecting a battery for standby or light cyclic use, customers commonly compare AGM VRLA types with flooded lead‑acid, gel and lithium alternatives. Here’s how the NP17‑12I stacks up:
- Maintenance: AGM (NP17‑12I) is sealed and maintenance‑free; flooded types require periodic water top‑ups and ventilation.
- Installation: AGM is more install‑friendly for enclosed spaces since there is no free acid or significant gassing under normal float conditions.
- Cost: Flooded batteries can be slightly cheaper per Ah, but installation and maintenance costs often offset initial savings.
- Performance: AGM generally offers better high‑current discharge performance and faster charge acceptance than gel.
- Temperature tolerance: AGM batteries typically have a wider temperature tolerance for charge/discharge cycles; however, gel can be better in deep cyclic use if properly managed.
- Energy density & cycle life: Lithium batteries offer higher energy density and more cycles, but at a significantly higher upfront cost.
- Safety & compatibility: AGM batteries like the NP17‑12I are robust, simpler to integrate with existing lead‑acid chargers and equipment. Switching to lithium often requires new charge controllers, battery management systems and updated safety procedures.
- Cost considerations: For many standby applications where space is limited and cycles are light, AGM remains a cost‑effective solution.
- The NP17‑12I is offered alongside the standard NP17‑12 and an FR (flame‑retardant) variant. Choose the FR case when compliance with stricter fire safety standards is required.
- M5 terminals on the NP17‑12I offer a secure connection method compared with quick‑connect F1 tabs often found on other SLA types; this is a practical advantage in environments subject to vibration.
Customer testimonials and typical feedback
No specific, attributable customer reviews were provided with this product brief. Below are representative comments and feedback typically reported by installers and end users of 12V 17Ah AGM batteries like the NP17‑12I:
- "Easy to install and compact enough to fit neatly into our UPS cabinet — good runtime for the size."
- "Reliable performance in our alarm and access control systems; survived occasional deep discharges and recovered well."
- "The M5 terminals give a more secure connection compared with push‑on tabs — we prefer them for outdoor cabinets that see vibration."
- "Great value for a sealed battery with a multi‑year design life — a sensible replacement part for legacy equipment."
These representative impressions align with the NP17‑12I's specifications: robust pulse capability, maintenance‑free AGM construction and practical mechanical features for field installation.
Conclusion: Why the NP17-12I is a strong choice
The NP17‑12I 12V 17Ah AGM VRLA battery offers a solid blend of performance, safety and value for a wide range of standby and light cyclic applications. Its maintenance‑free AGM construction, strong short‑pulse discharge capability and compact form factor make it particularly well suited to UPS, security, emergency lighting and access control systems. Charging parameters and temperature compensation recommendations make it straightforward to integrate into existing charging systems, while the M5 threaded terminals and optional flame‑retardant case provide installation flexibility and compliance where required.
For users balancing cost, reliability and ease of installation, the NP17‑12I is a pragmatic choice. With a suggested price point in the affordable range and a design life of up to five years under normal conditions, it represents a dependable backup solution for both new installations and replacement projects. As with any battery selection, match charging settings, temperature compensation and mounting orientation to the intended application and consult the official NP17‑12I datasheet for full safety, handling and certification details before deployment.
