|
 |
New batteries
should be given a full charge before use.
|
|
|
New batteries
need to be cycled several times before reaching full capacity (50 -
125 cycles, depending on type). Usage should be limited during
this period.
|
|
|
Battery cables
should be intact, and the connectors kept tight at all times.
Systematic inspection is recommended.
|
|
|
Vent caps
should be kept in place and tight during vehicle operation and
battery charging.
|
|
|
Batteries
should be kept clean and free of dirt and corrosion at all times.
|
|
|
Batteries
should be watered after charging unless plates are exposed before
charging. If exposed add just enough water to cover plate tops
by 1/8". Check acid level after charge. The acid level
should be kept 1/4" below the bottom of the fill well in the cell
cover.
|
|
|
Water used to
replenish batteries should be distilled or treated not to exceed 200
T.D.S. (total dissolved solids...parts per million).
Particular care should be taken to avoid metallic contamination
(iron).
|
|
|
For best
battery life, batteries should not be discharged below 80% of their
rated capacity. Proper battery sizing will help avoid
excessive discharge.
|
|
|
Battery
chargers should be matched to fully charge batteries in an eight
hour period. Defective chargers will damage batteries or
severely reduce their performance.
|
|
|
Avoid charging
at temperatures above 120°F or ambient, whichever is higher.
|
|
|
Deep cycle
batteries need to be equalized periodically. Equalizing is an
extended, low current charge performed after the normal charge
cycle. This extra charge helps keep all cells in balance.
Actively used batteries should be equalized once per week.
Manually timed charges should have the charge time extended
approximately 3 hours. Automatically controlled chargers
should be unplugged and reconnected after completing a charge.
|
|
|
In situations
where multiple batteries are connected in series, parallel or
series/parallel, replacement battery(s) should be of the same size,
age and usage level as the companion batteries. Do not put a
new battery in a pack which has 50 or more cycles. Either
replace with all new or use a good used battery(s).
|
|
|
Periodic
battery testing is an important preventative maintenance procedure.
Hydrometer readings of each cell (fully charged) gives an indication
of balance and true charge level. Imbalance could mean the
need for equalizing; is often a sign of improper charging or a bad
cell. Voltage checks (open circuit, charged and discharged)
can locate a bad battery or weak battery. Load testing will
pick out a bad battery when other methods fail. A weak battery
will cause premature failure of companion batteries.
|
|
|
Always use a
matched voltage charger and battery pack system. An undersized
charger will never get the job done, no matter how long you let it
run. An oversized charger will cause excess gassing and heat;
this situation could cause explosions or other damage.
|
|
|
As batteries
age, their maintenance requirements change. This means longer
charging time and/or higher finish rate (higher amperage at the end
of the charge). Usually older batteries need to be watered
more often. And, their capacity decreases.
|
|
|
Lead acid
batteries should be brought up to full charge at the earliest
opportunity. Avoid continuously operating batteries in a
partially charged condition. This will shorten their life and
reduce their capacity.
|
|
|
Extreme
temperatures can substantially affect battery performance and
charging. Cold reduces battery capacity and retards charging.
Heat increases water usage and can result in overcharging.
Very high temperatures can cause " thermal run-away" which may lead
to an explosion or fire. If extreme temperature is an
unavoidable part of an application, consult a battery/charger
specialist about ways to deal with the problem.
|
|
|
Inactivity can
be extremely harmful to all lead acid batteries. If seasonal
use is anticipated, we recommend the following:
a. Completely
charge the battery before storing.
b. Remove all
electrical connections from the battery, including series/parallel
connectors.
c. Store the
battery in as cool a place as possible. However, do not store in a
location which will consistently be below 32°F. Batteries will
discharge when stored, the lower the temperature the lower the self
discharge.
d. When not in
use, boost every two months. |
