Critical Power Solutions
NiCd Batteries in Jordan
Nickel-cadmium batteries keep substation breakers tripping, control systems running and emergency lighting on in places where lead-acid does not last: hot plant rooms, outdoor kiosks and sites with frequent deep discharges. We supply Saft and Alcad NiCd cells and the chargers set up for them.
Why sites choose nickel-cadmium
NiCd works across a wide temperature range. In a desert substation or an unconditioned kiosk, where a VRLA block might last two summers, a NiCd bank can run for twenty years or more. Good cells are rated for up to 25.
It also fails in a predictable way. The capacity falls slowly and shows up in routine tests, so you replace the bank on a plan and not after a breaker fails to trip. And it tolerates deep discharges that would ruin a lead-acid battery.
The price is higher upfront, and the cells need topping up with water at intervals. For critical DC supplies in harsh conditions, most utilities accept that trade.
Cell types
| Type | Suits | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Pocket plate, low rate | Long, low-current loads such as control and emergency lighting | Saft SBLE · Alcad L |
| Pocket plate, medium rate | Mixed loads, switchgear and control | Saft SBM · Alcad M |
| Pocket plate, high rate | Breaker closing and engine starting | Saft SBH · Alcad H |
| Low-maintenance NiCd | Remote and unmanned sites where topping up is hard | Saft Uptimax |
The charger has to match
A NiCd string charges at a different voltage per cell from lead-acid, and many sites need a boost charge after a deep discharge. Fitting NiCd cells to a lead-acid charger shortens their life, so we size and set the rectifier for the cell type, the number of cells and the DC bus voltage.
We also plan the battery room: ventilation, spill containment and a rack layout that gives safe access for maintenance. Typical systems are 110 V and 220 V DC for substations and generation, 24 V and 48 V for control and telecom, and engine starting batteries.
Questions we get asked
NiCd or lead-acid for a substation?
For hot sites, outdoor enclosures or systems that see deep discharges, NiCd lasts much longer and fails more predictably. For a cool, controlled battery room on a tight budget, OPzS or long-life VRLA can be enough.
Do NiCd batteries need maintenance?
Pocket-plate cells need topping up with distilled water at intervals and a yearly check. Low-maintenance types stretch the interval a long way.
Can I replace my lead-acid bank with NiCd?
Yes, if the charger is changed or reset for NiCd and the cell count is recalculated for the same DC voltage. We do both.
What happens to old NiCd cells?
Cadmium has to go to a specialist recycler and must never be dumped. Ask us about removal when you order the replacement.
Send the DC voltage, load and backup time
Or the details of your existing bank. An engineer replies with the cell type, quantity and charger settings.