Batteries power nearly everything in our lives, from flashlights to vehicles to the gear that keeps us safe during emergencies. In this first half of a two-part series, Jeff and Chris take a deep dive into the world of batteries, exploring the types, uses, and pitfalls every prepared person should understand. From lead-acid and lithium to household cells and charging habits, this episode breaks down how to keep your power reliable when the grid goes dark.

What’s in This Episode:

• How batteries power everything from cars to communication gear
• Differences between lead-acid, AGM, gel, and lithium batteries
• The strengths and weaknesses of LiPo and LiFePO4 cells
• Why battery maintenance matters more than you think
• Common causes of failure and how sulfation ruins lead-acid batteries
• Safe charging habits and why “fast charging” can shorten lifespan
• Understanding milliamps, discharge cycles, and why cheap batteries fail
• What makes UL-rated batteries safer for long-term use

Why Listen to This Episode?

This episode is packed with real-world knowledge to help you build confidence in your backup power plan. Whether you’re maintaining car batteries, powering radios, or running off-grid gear, you’ll learn how to get the most from every charge and avoid costly mistakes.

More Info:

• preparedneighborspodcast.com
• YouTube Channel
• RedCircle Podcast Page

Resources & Gear Mentioned:

• NOCO Genius 10 Battery Charger: https://amzn.to/4oU3SkP
• NOCO Battery Booster: https://amzn.to/47I17fO
• Battery Minder Trickle Charger: https://amzn.to/3WFJmbO
• IMAX B6 Charger/Discharger: https://amzn.to/47ruOmo
• RIGOL Programmable DC Load: https://amzn.to/47CMrhJ