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RECHARGING A BATTERY
Before and after charging a battery, always check the
electrolyte level in each cell; if required, top up with
distilled water only. When charging batteries, each cell
must be open, i.e. plugs and/or cover removed.
Apply with preference the slow charging method and
adjust the charge current according to the following rule of
thumb:
Battery capacity in Ah divided by 20 gives safe charging
current in Amp.
MAKE-UP DISTILLED WATER
The amount of water evaporating from batteries is largely
dependant on the operating conditions, i.e. temperatures,
number of starts, running time between start and stop,
etc...
If a battery starts to need excessive make-up water, this
points to overcharging. Most common causes are high
temperatures or a too high voltage regulator setting.
If a battery does not need any make-up water at all over a
considerable time of operation, an undercharged battery
condition may be caused by poor cable connections or a
too low voltage regulator setting.
PERIODIC BATTERY SERVICE
• Keep the battery clean and dry.
• Keep the electrolyte level at 10 to 15 mm above the
plates or at the indicated level; top up with distilled water
only. Never overfill, as this will cause poor performance
and excessive corrosion.
• Record the quantity of distilled water added.
• Keep the terminals and clamps tight, clean, and lightely
covered in petroleum jelly.
• Carry out periodic condition tests. Test intervals of 1 to
3 months, depending on climate and operating conditions,
are recommended.
• If doubtful conditions are noticed or malfunctions arise,
keep in mind that the cause may be in the electical system,
e.g.loose terminals, voltage regulator maladjusted, poor
performance of compressor, etc...
COMPRESSOR ELEMENT OVERHAUL
When a compressor element is due for overhaul, it needs
to be done by Atlas copco. This guarantees the use of
genuine parts and correct tools with care and precision.
Use a commercial automatic battery
charger according to its manufacturer’s
instructions.
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