Thanks for replying and it appears I must have misread something as I tried to search again for that reference on how new SLA batteries are shipped and could not find it. My error. The full story is that I received batteries that were scuffed on the bottom more than I thought they should be...
I have read in several places that a new SLA battery is shipped completely discharged but there is never any indication of what the voltage reading would be if measured in that state. I assume the battery chemistry would produce some measurable open circuit voltage even if it could not support...
