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Panasonic has now extended its extensive range of high performance batteries with nine new high quality batteries for industrial use. Thanks to Panasonic's innovative AGM technology, this is distinguished by being absolutely free from maintenance, having extremely consistent technical parameter performance and long life. They are available as 12V models, with capacities ranging from 2.2 to 120 Ampere-hours (Ah) and a 6V model delivering 135 W for the demanding high current sector. They are also available with different terminal types and also with flame retardant cases.

The new VRLA batteries work with an absorbent electrolyte system developed by Panasonic (AGM matrix engineering). The entire electrolyte is bonded into the positive and negative plates, as well as into the fibreglass separators. The use of special sealing resins, a grooved housing cover and long sealing ducts for the terminals guarantee the absolute minimal self discharge, and also enable the battery to be used in any position. The protection against gas forming in normal operation affords additional safety.

Neither do they require any maintenance. This means there is no need to check the specific gravity of the electrolyte or top it up with distilled water. They simply require charging. The Panasonic models even withstand over charging and total discharge, vibration and shocks better than comparable batteries.

The innovative technical construction and stringent quality control, during which the voltage, capacity and sealing of the assembled batteries is 100% tested and checked before shipping, will ensure the closest tolerances of the battery parameters and a long service life. In standby parallel operation - based on the Eurobat standard - this is six to nine years or ten to twelve years, depending on type.

Faston 187 and Faston 250 terminals with a hole or M6/M8 bolts provide safe connection and low loss current transfer.

Panasonic batteries are produced in a factory which, like all Panasonic battery industrial production plants guarantees consistently high standards to ISO 9000 et seq. and ISO 14000 et seq., thanks to its proprietary quality and environmental management systems and regular quality audits.

The new VRLA batteries conform to the UL standard 1989, because under overload conditions a controlled discharge of the gas is guaranteed and they do not explode. Accordingly, they can be used for emergency lighting and power supplies.  Some types are available with flame retardant cases to UL94V-O. They also conform to the EN 50272-2, EN 60896-2, DIN VDE 0510, Part 2 and GOST-R technical standards.

You will also find models in the Panasonic range of batteries which have VdS approval from the German insurance sector. The extensive range also includes models for cyclical operations.

Panasonic batteries can be used in the following sectors:

In standby/parallel operation

• UPS systems
• Emergency lighting systems
•  Alarm systems
•  Communication systems (e.g. PBX, WLL, ONU, STB)
•  Electronic cash registers
• Vending Machines
• etc.

In cyclical operation

• Lawnmowers
• Golf buggies
• Wheelchairs
•  Scooters
• Toys
• Medical equipment
• etc.
  

Batteries from Panasonic - safety, long-life and power

Matsushita Batteries Industrial (MBI) started battery production in 1931 as part of the Matsushita Group (widely known under the name Panasonic). Today, the company operates in 15 countries, with a workforce of 16,000 and 28 production plants. With annual production of over 10 billion batteries, it is the largest battery manufacturer in the world.

The product portfolio includes Lithium-Ion, Lithium, Nickel Metal Hydride, Nickel-Cadmium, Alkaline, Zinc-Carbon and enclosed VRLA batteries. The all-round experience of one of the world's largest electronics groups in the development of high tech products such as camcorders or mobile phones leads again and again to ground-breaking solutions for the batteries needed for this. Panasonic also offers its OEM customers standard charging equipment and customized charging systems and emphasizes its corporate identity as a power solutions provider with a comprehensive product range.

Panasonic batteries are marketed in Germany by Panasonic Industrial Europe GmbH (PIE). The Industry Battery Group (IBG), which is a long-standing group subsidiary, is responsible for OEM business throughout Europe. The head office in Hamburg is responsible for Germany, the Benelux countries, Switzerland, Austria, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. There are independent offices trading in Great Britain/Ireland, France, Italy and Spain. There is also a close-knit distributors' network.

Panasonic Industrial Europe GmbH (PIE)

Panasonic Industrial Europe GmbH (PIE), with its headquarters in Hamburg, is responsible within the Panasonic organisation for European-wide sales of production equipment, such as electronic components and devices, semiconductors and production systems, to customers in the electronics industry and the audio/video, household goods, telecommunications, computer and automobile markets.

PIE employs a total of 300 staff. The Managing Director is Tadashi Mochizuki. The company maintains subsidiaries in Munich and Bracknell (London), as well as agencies in Moscow and Izmir (Turkey) and sales offices in Paris, Barcelona, Milan, Vienna and Düsseldorf. There are also service offices for telecommunications in Copenhagen and Helsinki, as well as training centres for factory automation in Vienna and Bracknell (London).

Panasonic Battery Sales Europe NV (PBSE)

Panasonic Battery Sales Europe, with its head office in Brussels, is responsible for consumer battery sales in Europe.

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. (Panasonic)

The Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd Group, familiar through its brand name Panasonic, is a leading developer and manufacturer of electronic products for private consumers, the corporate sector and industry, known worldwide. In March 2005, the company, whose headquarters is in Osaka, Japan, posted total sales for the previous year of 81.44 billion US dollars. Shares in Matsushita are traded on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, New York (NYSE:MC)) Euronext, Amsterdam and Frankfurt stock exchanges. More information about the company and its brand name Panasonic is on the Internet at www.panasonic-industrial.com and at
panasonic.co.jp/global/top.html.

For further information, please contact:

Alexander Berghoff
Panasonic Industrial Europe GmbH
Industry Battery Group
Product Marketing
Winsbergring 15
22525 Hamburg
Tel.: +49 (0)40 85386-338
Fax: +49 (0)40 85386-238
alexander.berghoff@eu.panasonic.com