QUOI DE NEUF CHEZ CANADIAN ENERGY

How to Properly Install Lead-Acid Batteries On/Near The Water

Aug 03, 2022

Installing batteries in Marine applications requires some special attention, especially when you're on or near salt water.

How Do I Properly Clean My Battery?

Jul 25, 2022

Batteries can often attract dust, dirt, and grime. Keeping them clean can help you stop trouble signs when they appear and avoid any associated problems.

How Does a Battery Recharge?

Jul 14, 2022

The recharging process is the same for all types of lead-acid batteries: FLOODED, GEL, and AGM. The actions that take place during discharge are the reverse of those that occur during charging. 

Why is Acid Stratification a Killer of Lead-Acid Batteries?

Jul 06, 2022

Acid Stratification is the #1 cause of declining life for lead-acid batteries. Read our blog post to learn more about what causes acid stratification, and how you can prevent it from prematurely killing your batteries.

Sizing a Battery

Apr 08, 2022

Getting the wrong size battery may negatively affect the vehicle operation.

Every vehicle has been designed for a particular sized battery to accommodate for appropriate power requirements and battery cable length. The specifications will ensure enough power to start and also run vehicle electronics.

Ultimately, the right choice is to meet the original equipment manufacturers specifications for that particular vehicle.

Using a battery application guide, which can be found numerous places online, is highly recommended.

Battery Basics

Feb 24, 2022

Getting the lowdown on how lead-acid batteries work

Batteries have been tried and true technology for centuries, as the concept of how they work remain largely the same.

For standard lead-acid batteries that are used in many applications, understanding how they work can help when deciding which battery works best for different applications.

Every lead-acid battery contains three or six individual compartments within that battery case, depending on whether the battery is 6 or 12-volt. Within each individual compartment is a series of positive and negative plates, with special separators in between each to prevent short circuits.

Flooded vs. AGM Batteries

Feb 17, 2022

The pros and cons

While the construction of flooded and AGM batteries are different, the real difference to the consumer really boils down to two things: cost and maintenance.

Both battery types contain electrolyte mixture with about 35% sulfuric acid.

Flooded batteries have excess electrolyte within the cells that cover the plates by 1/2" to ¾ inch. They are known for off-gassing during charge and discharge operation.

Lead-Acid Battery Recycling Done Right

Feb 10, 2022

Recycling your battery responsibly.

Tossing your lead-acid battery into the trash is dangerous and harmful to the environment.

We know that.

That's why we make sure we do everything we can to educate our customers on how to properly dispose of lead-acid batteries safely.

What’s a Cranking Battery?

Jan 04, 2022

There are two methods to measure cranking batteries (commonly called starting engine batteries).

Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): CCA is used to determine the ability for a battery to start an engine in cold temperatures. CCA is measured at -17.8oC. The higher the CCA rating, the greater the starting power of the battery.

Cranking Amp (CA): Measured at 0oC, CA determines the power the battery has to start a vehicle in most climates. Vehicles like boats typically use CA as the temperatures rarely drop below 0 degrees and don't need as much power to start.

Preparing Your Batteries for Winter Storage

Dec 28, 2021

When the RV, boat, or motorcycles moves into storage for the winter, there's a few things to consider to ensure the battery is healthy and can start in the spring. 

Start-Stop Batteries

Dec 21, 2021

Start-stop batteries are always working. 

When stopped at a red light with the brake applied, a start-stop vehicle will shut the engine off. This reduces the amount of time the engine spends idling, in an effort to lower fuel consumption and emissions.

While the engine is shut off, the vehicle is still supplying power to run the entire vehicle electrical system, including heating, air conditioning, heated windows, seats, lights, and all other entertainment systems. When it’s time to go, the brake pedal is released, the engine restarts and the alternator starts recharging the battery.

Picking the right battery to power your winch

Dec 13, 2021

Getting out of a tough situation with a winch requires the right battery for your four-wheel-drive vehicle.

There are so many battery specifications, features, and benefits to sift through that choosing a battery can become overwhelming. Here are some tips to make sure you’re prepared to be up and back off the beaten path in a pinch:

Stryten Manufacturing Partners with Canadian Energy

Apr 19, 2021

Stryten Manufacturing Partners with Canadian Energy to Exclusively Distribute Stryten-Manufactured Transportation Batteries in Canada.

The agreement expands Canadian Energy’s customer base and extends Stryten’s reach into the Canadian automotive aftermarket.

CleanBC Heavy Duty Vehicle Efficiency Program

Oct 22, 2020

Incentives are available during October and November For up to a maximum of $15,000 per vehicle or $100,000 per fleet.

The BC Trucking Association (BCTA), in partnership with the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, announces the second offering of the CleanBC Heavy-duty Vehicle Efficiency (HDVE) Program.

The Province of British Columbia has committed $1.4 million to a second year of the program that features a course for fleets on fuel management and incentives for the purchase and installation of approved fuel-efficiency devices.

En début de semaine, l’Ontario et le Québec ont donné l’ordre à toutes les

Mar 27, 2020

 En début de semaine, l’Ontario et le Québec ont donné l’ordre à toutes les entreprises non essentielles de fermer leurs portes à compter de minuit, le mardi 24 mars 2020. Canadian Energy a été considérée comme l’une des entreprises essentielles et restera ouverte et opérationnelle pour l’avenir prévisible. Nous sommes opérationnels sur tous les marchés du Canada, toutes nos succursales et tous nos centres de distribution sont ouverts. 

Canadian Energy Deemed an Essential Service

Mar 27, 2020

It was announced earlier this week that both Ontario and Quebec instructed all non-essential businesses to shut down effective midnight, Tuesday, March 24th, 2020. Canadian Energy has been deemed one of these essential businesses and will remain open and operational for the forecastable future. We are operational in every market across Canada, with all of our branches and distribution centres open for business.

Princess Auto Announces Canadian Energy as the Workshop Vendor of the Year

Aug 14, 2019

Julio Barki, buyer for the Princess Auto (PA) Workshop team, along with Michael Catalan buyer representing Auto & Repair, and Paul Theberge the Princess Auto Category Leader, would like to announce the Princess Auto Vendor of the Year award for Workshop to, Canadian Energy.

Meet Rowena Bayas

Mar 28, 2019

13 Questions for Rowena

Meet Ian Greenway

Jan 31, 2019

13 Questions for Ian

MIXTECH TECHNOLOGY

Jan 14, 2019

Discover’s MIXTECH EMX, MIXTECH EFB and MIXTECH EGM batteries combine the latest electrochemical advancements in battery technology with exclusive and patented 360° acid mixing technology to produce the most significant improvement in performance, reliability and life in starting, lighting and ignition batteries in 50 years. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Batteries (FAQ)

Jan 14, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions About Batteries (FAQ)

Is it legal to live off the grid in Canada?

Jan 14, 2019

When one thinks about living “off the grid”, they might think it’s a weekend away at a cottage or a camping trip to Algonquin Park or Banff National Park with no cell service. But for many Canadians living in urban or suburban centres, it’s about taking control over soaring hydro bills while at the same time reducing their carbon footprint.

Meet Kelly Sauerberg

Jan 02, 2019

13 Questions for Kelly

Meet Dean Smurthwaite

Dec 05, 2018

13 Questions for Dean

AGM VS Flooded Batteries - What you need to know

Aug 02, 2018

You most likely operate your vehicle, workplace equipment or renewable energy systems with batteries that are rechargeable. Rechargeable batteries account for nearly half of worldwide battery sales. Within the rechargeable battery category, there are many different types of chemistries that are used. The most proven type of chemistry is the lead acid chemistry.

Meet Shawn Sauer

Jun 29, 2018

13 Questions for Shawn

Meet Andrew MacLellan

May 31, 2018

13 Questions for Andrew

The Best of Inverter 101 Video Q&A

May 03, 2018

Our Canadian Energy Inverter 101 video is by far one of our most popular videos on our YouTube Channel and currently sits at 400,000 views. Over the past 4 years we have generated a lot of great questions and answers and thought we'd condense them down to one "Best Of" blog post. Please enjoy!

Meet Roxanne

Apr 30, 2018

13 Questions for Roxanne

Why Is Summer Bad for Car Batteries?

Apr 09, 2018

You might think that your car battery’s worst enemy is Old Man Winter. In fact, vehicle batteries are almost more likely fail in the summer, but it doesn’t have to happen right in the middle of your big road trip.

Battery technology will define the future of renewable energy

Apr 06, 2018

It is an exciting time to be involved in energy innovation. There have been developments on multiple fronts at the consumer level with the introduction of new models of electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, and perhaps more importantly, at the utility level with massive commercial investments in renewable energy generation and storage technologies.

Meet Becca Dunford

Apr 02, 2018

13 Questions for Becca

B2B Marketing Doesn’t Have To Be Boring

Mar 26, 2018

When a brand shows it doesn't always take itself too seriously, it's a powerful way to demonstrate authenticuty and confidence. 

Electronic Testers

Mar 05, 2018

Today’s subject is about electronic load testers for lead-acid starting batteries. There are many different types of electronic testers available on the market today.

Meet Warren Wilmot

Feb 28, 2018

13 Questions for Warren

Common Ratings for Starting Lighting Ignition (SLI) Lead-acid Batteries in North America

Feb 13, 2018

The most common term for describing the amount of power a starting battery will deliver is CCA or cold cranking amp. This is a measurement of how much power the battery will deliver for 15 seconds at -17.8C. They are several other different cranking amp and hot cranking amp ratings, and the difference is the temperature at which they are rated, these are always higher than CCA.  

Testing Batteries with a Carbon Pile Load Tester

Feb 06, 2018

Today we are covering carbon pile load testers. We use carbon pile load testers for load testing lead-acid starting lighting ignition batteries.

Meet Brad Clowes

Feb 01, 2018

13 Questions for Brad

When Should I Use a Deep Cycle Battery?

Feb 01, 2018

Our topic today is deep cycle batteries. Deep cycle batteries are batteries that are designed for discharging and recharging such as in RV application, golf cart, floor scrubber, or electric vehicle. Deep cycle batteries as a rule should not be discharged below 80% depth of discharge. So, if a batteries rated at 100 Amp Hour as a rule we should not remove more than 80 Amp Hour from that battery or we're going to damage the battery and we're not going to get as many cycles out of it. 

Recycled Battery (Scrap) Handling

Jan 22, 2018

The handling and transportation of scrap and car lead acid batteries falls under the Dangerous Goods regulations and Transport Canada regulations. It's important when we're handling scrap and car lead acid batteries that we wear the proper protective equipment, rubber boots, rubber apron, gloves, goggles or eye shield to protect us from any errant acid spills.

Grid Defection Isn’t a Reason to Fight Distributed Energy—It’s a Reason to Embrace It

Jan 08, 2018

Grid defection is not the utility-industry bogeyman that it once was.

‘Instantly rechargeable’ battery could change the future of electric and hybrid automobiles

Jan 02, 2018

New technology could provide an 'instantly rechargeable' method that is safe, affordable and environmentally friendly for recharging electric and hybrid vehicle batteries through a quick and easy process similar to refueling a car at a gas station.

Flooded versus AGM Batteries?

Dec 04, 2017

So, what are some of the similarities and differences?

What’s the Difference Between CCA and CA?

Nov 28, 2017

We're talking about cranking batteries today, or otherwise known as engine starting batteries. 

Different Types of Battery Terminals

Nov 14, 2017

Whether you're wondering about side terminals developed for General Motors and Chevrolet vehicles, the SAE automotive posts which are the number-one most popular terminal type in North America for batteries, or the 3/8" threaded stainless steel terminal for the highway truck such as International, Kenworth, Freightliner, Peterbilt, Volvo -we have the answers.

Preparing Your Batteries for Winter

Nov 06, 2017

Well, here we are in November, our short summer is behind us, and we are now looking to what many predict as a long, cold and snowy Canadian winter. Our options to deal with this infamous Canadian winter is to load up and head to warmer parts in the Southern USA or Mexico or get prepared and face it head-on and get winterized.

10 Canadian Slang Words You Should Know

Nov 03, 2017

Before heading to the Great White North, there’s something you should know – we talk funny. Not in the humourous sense, but because of our copious use of Canadian slang.

How Does a Lead Acid Battery Work?

Nov 02, 2017

Every lead-acid battery contains 3 or 6 individual compartments within it's casing, depending on whether the battery is a 6 or 12-volt. So, within each individual compartment contains a series of positive and negative plates.  

Battery Care and Maintenance

Oct 26, 2017

One of the most commonly overlooked things when it comes to lead acid batteries is care and maintenance. So, what are some of the things that we can do to properly care and maintain our battery? 

Power Can be an Issue in Heavy Cycling Applications

Oct 18, 2017

With winter weather just around the corner we will be entering the season for floor scrubbers and the requirement for replacing batteries and chargers. Historically this industry is fraught with the misdiagnosis of batteries issues and why they fail, the following article was posted by US Battery and touches on one of the issues.

Lithium Battery Advantages

Oct 02, 2017

It’s interesting how we can often talk about and promote a product but don’t take the time to fully understand its capabilities or appreciate the benefits that it will deliver, here is an example from one of our customers a few days ago.

MIXTECH Batteries

Sep 13, 2017

Discover Battery offers a premier line of maintenance-free automotive and commercial batteries designed to provide superior performance, greater reliability and longer life in Commercial Transport / Transit and automotive start-stop applications. We call it MIXTECH.

Skidegate Band Council Solar Project to be one of the largest in British Columbia

Aug 21, 2017

Skidegate Band Council Solar Project to be one of the largest in British Columbia

Cutting Edge Battery Tech Giving the Gift of Longer Life

Aug 09, 2017

Modern vehicle systems are pushing current battery technology to its limits. In response, battery makers are bringing new innovations to the market. With a look at what's evolving under the hood, we speak with Randy Anderson, National Technical Sales and Training Manager with Canadian Energy.

The Future of Mobile & Renewable Energy Can Be Characterized In One Word: Simplicity

Aug 08, 2017

The Future of Mobile & Renwable Energy Can Be Characterized In One Word: Simplicity

The barriers between consumers and renewable energy systems are fast eroding. Not only has the price of solar panels and batteries dropped considerably over the recent years, but innovators in the field are making it easier to operate, integrate, and customize solutions for home owners and commercial clients alike.

The State of Off-grid Solar in Canada

Aug 01, 2017

Trailblazers in the renewable energy industry are making it easier and more affordable to bring solar, battery, and other clean energy technologies into consumers' homes, cottages, and remote communities. But what does it mean to be truly “off-grid”, and what are the trends shaping this growing industry? We reached out to Brian Pasquill, Solar Specialty Channel Manager with Schneider Electric, for an illuminating industry perspective...

Meet Adam Brown

Jul 31, 2017

13 Questions for Adam - Our Western Canadian Renewable Energy Sales Manager.

Top 10 Myths About Solar Debunked!

Jul 31, 2017

There is a lot of myths and misinformation about solar. We're here to set the record straight and give you the straight goods. 

Choosing the Correct Marine Battery

Jul 20, 2017

With so many options in battery types and ratings it can be confusing trying to figure out what is the best battery for your boat. Choosing the correct product is dependent on the job the battery will have to perform.

Meet Keith Terry

Jun 30, 2017

13 Questions for Keith

Canada’s Clean Energy Leaders Poised for Global Opportunities

Jun 12, 2017

The skies are clear for Canada's renewable energy industry. Global trends and a glowing reputation have positioned the Great Green North as a leader in clean energy technologies, opening the doors for Canadian firms both at home and abroad. 

Modified Sine Inverters

Jun 12, 2017

Our topic today is modified sine wave inverters. So what is a modified sine wave inverter?

Inverter Installation Requirements

Jun 12, 2017

We're getting a lot of inquiries these days on inverter installation. What are some of the things that we need to take into consideration when installing an inverter? 

Low Frequency Inverters

Jun 12, 2017

So what are the characteristics or differences in low-frequency or transformer-based inverters? 

True Sine Inverters

Jun 12, 2017

Our topic is true sine wave Inverters or pure sine wave inverters. So what is a true sine inverter?

High Frequency Inverters

Jun 12, 2017

So what's the difference between a high-frequency inverter than a low-frequency inverter? Well, essentially, from a physical standpoint, they are smaller and lighter than a low-frequency inverter. 

Lifespan of Batteries

Jun 12, 2017

Since the early 1980’s with the introduction of envelope separators and advanced grid plate designs, junk battery studies show that the average age of batteries in non-cycling engine starting applications, in northern climates like Canada, is approximately 59 months (just shy of 5 years) in new vehicles.  This number has continued fairly consistent over the past 25 years with some studies showing the average age of ‘old batteries’ as high as 64 months in the same climates. This longer life could be due to the introduction of smaller engine displacements, gear reduction starters and fuel injection systems, all of which decrease the demands placed on engine starting batteries. This trend of increased life however has now come to an end.

Inverter Mounting Considerations

Jun 12, 2017

We're getting a lot of questions again on inverter installations so we're going to try and answer some of those. It's really tough to draw a graphic on this one but one of the questions we're getting is: Where do I install my inverter? 

Intro to Xantrex

Jun 12, 2017

Xantrex is a pioneer in the inverter and the inverter charger business. They were building inverters before inverters were really a thing, so if you're looking for somebody who's bankable and been around for many years, certainly Xantrex has been a leader in the inverter business for many years.

Fueling Canada’s Renewable Energy Industry Through Better Financing Options

Mar 03, 2017

Wide-scale adoption of renewable energy technologies is currently being halted by a lack of access to effective payment options. This is what we're doing about it.

The Evolution of the Transit Bus

Mar 03, 2017

Most of us don’t realize, as we are riding public transit to or from work, how technologically advanced the vehicles we are riding have become.

Lithium Productivity

Mar 03, 2017

In our ongoing series on lithium batteries, our topic today is lithium productivity.

Lithium Battery Management System

Mar 03, 2017

What is the purpose of the BMS or the Battery Management System?

Lithium Battery Containers

Mar 03, 2017

Lithium Containers: What do they come in? What do they look like?

Lithium Battery Cells

Mar 03, 2017

Lithium batteries and battery packs and what's in them.

Lithium Features & Benefits

Mar 03, 2017

What are the advantages and disadvantages or lithium battery technology? Find out here!

Mythbusting: Automotive non-starts

Mar 03, 2017

Many of us are experiencing these deep freeze conditions and problems with our cars starting, it’s common to hear people say that the cold weather has ruined their battery.  

Canada Poised to Become Energy Innovation Leader

Mar 03, 2017

Significant advances are being made in Canada where industry players are taking advantage of the unique geography and demand for energy storage to bring their own game-changers to the market.

Canadian Energy looks to bring Power back to the People

Mar 03, 2017

CUB 2.0 aims to help remote communities control their own destiny through affordable, consistent energy

Battery Operated Christmas Lights

Mar 03, 2017

We often get asked, ‘how can I hook up my lights with battery power?’, to which the answer is more simple than you’d think

Meet JoAnne Knight

Mar 02, 2017

A bit more about JoAnne Knight from our Edmonton Branch!

FR-Canada Poised to Become Energy Innovation Leader

Feb 24, 2017

FRENCH - Significant advances are being made in Canada where industry players are taking advantage of the unique geography and demand for energy storage to bring their own game-changers to the market.

Canada Poised to Become Energy Innovation Leader

Dec 15, 2016

Significant advances are being made in Canada where industry players are taking advantage of the unique geography and demand for energy storage to bring their own game-changers to the market.

Canadian Energy looks to bring Power back to the People

Dec 08, 2016

CUB 2.0 aims to help remote communities control their own destiny through affordable, consistent energy

Battery Operated Christmas Lights

Dec 06, 2016

We often get asked, ‘how can I hook up my lights with battery power?’, to which the answer is more simple than you’d think

Is your Snowmobile Ready for Winter?

Nov 30, 2016

Did you give that battery a good charge and test when you dusted off your machine? 

Electric Vehicle Battery Maintenance

Nov 04, 2016

For your electric vehicle, golf cart or floor scrubber to operate as it designed, your batteries need to be properly maintained and charged. 

Energy Storage Ready for Prime Time in Remote Communities

Sep 30, 2016

Renewable energy combined with energy storage is at a tipping point, according to Canadian Energy chief executive Craig Ballard. In an interview with Canadian Green Tech earlier this September, he explained that in addition to being technical viable, it presents positive economic value for remote communities looking to kick the diesel habit.

Preparing Your RV Batteries for a Long Winter

Sep 15, 2016

If you want your batteries in top shape for when you fire up the RV in the summer, you need to make sure they’re properly prepared and stored over the winter.

Meet Luciano Forchilli

Aug 31, 2016

Luciano is the Branch Manager at our Montréal location, his personal mantra is "You don’t stop playing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop playing."

Finding New Markets for Canada’s Clean Energy Tech

Aug 10, 2016

Canada's affinity for innovation and green technology has made it a global steward for clean energy solutions. It's this reputation that has motivated renewable energy leaders within its borders to share their products and ideas with international markets in a bid to expand their footprint and promote environmental change.

Meet Mark Grnak

Jul 28, 2016

Mark is our Territory Manager in Ontario, his mission is to develop and grow our company in the centre of the universe!

Living Off-Grid 101 - Upkeep and Maintenance

Jul 08, 2016

Now you've got all the components of your system in place and ready to start working for you! In order to ensure the performance and longevity of your system, these are some simple maintenance and upkeep tips.

Living Off-Grid 101 - Battery Monitors and Control Panels

Jul 08, 2016

If you have a battery bank for your off-grid system, you'll need a battery monitor. This device measures the amps going in and out of the batteries from different charge sources. It allows you to configure and control the DOD of the batteries which helps to maximize battery life.

Living Off-Grid 101 - Automatic Generator Start

Jul 08, 2016

Off-grid living without any other ties is the goal, but its likely that you'll deploy a backup generator for those 'just in case' scenarios. If you have a generator, the AGS functions to start and stop the generator based on battery voltage, charging batteries when needed.

Meet Larry Squires

Jul 07, 2016

Larry is our operations supervisor, responsible for ordering, banking, invoicing – all the very important day to day things that help keep things running smoothly.

Choosing an Inverter for your RV

Jun 20, 2016

With summer upon us and the kids getting out of school, the RV’s are being pulled out of storage and readied for their summer adventures. Many are contemplating inverters to keep all those AC devices powered up and the kids entertained, the dilemma is always what brand, size, and type of inverter to purchase.

Living Off-Grid 101 - What Battery Bank do I Need?

Jun 03, 2016

So you have your panels, inverter, racking and mounting, the next step is to be able to store your solar energy for future use. That's where the batteries come in. This video goes into details about what to consider when you're selecting a battery bank for your off-grid system.

Living Off-Grid 101 - Choosing the Right Inverter

Jun 03, 2016

There are a number of different factors to consider when you're choosing an inverter for your off-grid system. This video explores information to consider and offers some advice to make sure you get exactly what you need for your application.

Canadian Energy Wins CanSIA Game Changer Award 2016

May 17, 2016

Canadian Energy, in partnership with Solar Ship Inc and Legacy Building Solutions, wins CanSIA's Game Changer Award for Solar PV Project of the Year!