Originally Posted by LittleBigMan
Remember that SLA batteries, while cheap and reliable, don't like to be completely drained. It shortens their life. ALSO--always buy a fuse for safety reasons, even a 12V battery can start a fire. You can get details from your local battery store.
Thanks for the information. I would be able to charge the battery at work, so I'd really only need about an hour (or less if I switch the lights seperately, as you mentioned) of 40W runtime. I'm sure there are better ways to make this work, but right now I'm really only looking for a cheap way for me to get setup. Once I get my feet wet and know a little more about what I'm doing, I would plan on buying different (more expensive and better) batteries.
Can this type (SLA) of battery be 'overcharged'? The last thing I want to have to worry about while I'm charging at work is whether or not I left it on the charger too long.
Thanks for all your help.
