Gama Sonic 12.8 V 6 Ah LiFePO4 (GS12_8V60 Pack)

A compact 12.8 V lithium iron phosphate battery designed for 12 V solar lighting, signage, and small off‑grid devices needing dependable, daily cycling. It offers stable voltage, low self‑discharge, and long service life when used with a LiFePO4 charging profile.

Key specs

• Nominal voltage: 12.8 V (4S LiFePO4)
• Capacity: 6 Ah
• Approx. energy: 76.8 Wh (12.8 V × 6 Ah)
• Chemistry: LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate)
• Cycle life: often rated in the thousands when operated within spec (temperature, depth of discharge, and charge profile)
• Typical uses: solar lamp heads, small sign lighting, remote sensors, small 12 V loads

When to choose this pack

• Use if you need reliable 12 V power for light‑to‑moderate loads (up to a few amps) with overnight runtimes.
• Use in systems with a dedicated LiFePO4 charge profile (4‑cell/12.8 V).
• Avoid if you need engine cranking, very high surge currents, or charging below freezing without a low‑temperature cutoff.

Estimated runtimes

Approximate hours on a full charge assuming ~85% usable energy (environment and electronics efficiency will vary):

Load	Approx. runtime	Notes
3 W LED	~21–22 hours	Ideal for small fixtures
5 W LED	~12–14 hours	Typical for sign lighting
10 W LED	~6–7 hours	Short overnight or motion‑based use
15 W LED	~4–5 hours	Consider a higher‑Ah pack for longer runtime

Charging and compatibility

• Use a charger or solar controller with a 12.8 V (4S) LiFePO4 profile. Typical full‑charge voltage is around 14.2–14.6 V; consult your equipment manual for exact setpoints.
• A gentle charge current (about 1–2 A) is suitable for this capacity unless the manufacturer specifies higher.
• Do not charge below 32°F (0°C) unless the pack includes a low‑temperature charge cutoff.
• Match the battery to devices intended for 12 V systems. Verify polarity and connector type.

Installation checklist

• Mount in a dry, protected, and cool compartment; avoid direct sunlight and enclosed heat sources.
• Observe polarity. Connect positive to positive and negative to negative.
• Fuse the positive lead near the battery to protect wiring. Size the fuse for the device and wire gauge.
• Use appropriate wire gauge (e.g., up to ~5 A: 20–18 AWG; up to ~10 A: 16–14 AWG). Keep leads short to minimize voltage drop.
• Secure the pack so it cannot move or abrade wiring during vibration.

Care and storage

• Store at ~40–60% state of charge in a cool environment (32–77°F / 0–25°C).
• Top up every 3–6 months if unused to prevent deep discharge.
• Periodically inspect terminals and connections; keep clean and dry.
• Avoid sustained exposure above 140°F (60°C).

Pros and cons

• Pros: Lighter than lead‑acid, stable voltage curve, low self‑discharge, good cycle life, safer LiFePO4 chemistry.
• Cons: Requires correct LiFePO4 charging profile; cold‑weather charging limits; capacity (6 Ah) may be modest for larger fixtures.

Alternatives and scaling

• Need longer runtime? Consider higher‑capacity 12.8 V packs (e.g., 10–20 Ah).
• Parallel packs only if the manufacturer allows it, using identical models at the same state of charge with fused leads.
• Avoid series connections unless the pack is explicitly rated for series use.

FAQs

Can this replace a 12 V 7 Ah sealed lead‑acid (SLA) battery?

Often yes, if the charger and device support LiFePO4. Although the nominal Wh are similar, LiFePO4 typically provides more usable energy per cycle and better voltage stability. Confirm physical size, connectors, and charging profile compatibility.

Does the pack include a battery management system (BMS)?

Many LiFePO4 packs include protection for over/under‑voltage, over‑current, and temperature. Check the specific GS12_8V60 documentation or label to confirm.

How long does a full charge take?

As a rule of thumb: with a 1 A charger, ~6–7 hours; with a 2 A charger, ~3–4 hours. Actual time depends on the charger’s profile and the battery’s state of charge.

Is it weatherproof for outdoor use?

The battery should be installed in a weather‑protected enclosure unless the model is specifically labeled as outdoor‑rated. Keep it dry and ventilated for best life.