3-2 BL-E30-0515 - 03-01-2018
Although a leakage voltage reading of zero volts may
not be possible, a cleaner battery will have more
usable charge for truck operation and not affect opera-
tion of electronic devices on the unit.
3-3.2. Safety Rules
• Wear protective clothing, such as rubber apron,
gloves, boots and goggles when performing any
maintenance on batteries. Do not allow electrolyte to
come in contact with eyes, skin, clothing or floor. If
electrolyte comes in contact with eyes, flush immedi-
ately and thoroughly with clean water. Obtain medi-
cal attention immediately. Should electrolyte be
spilled on skin, rinse promptly with clean water and
wash with soap. A baking soda solution (one pound
to one gallon of water) will neutralize acid spilled on
clothing, floor or any other surface. Apply solution
until bubbing stops and rinse with clean water.
• If truck is equipped with wet cell batteries, keep vent
plugs firmly in place at all times except when adding
water or taking hydrometer readings. Do not allow
dirt, cleaning solution or other foreign material to
enter cells. Impurities in electrolyte has a neutraliz-
ing effect reducing available charge.
• Do not bring any type of flame, spark, etc., near the
battery. Gas formed while the battery is charging, is
highly explosive. This gas remains in cell long after
charging has stopped.
• Do not lay metallic or conductive objects on battery.
Arcing will result.
• Do not touch non-insulated parts of DC output con-
nector or battery terminals to avoid possible electri-
cal shock.
• De-energize all AC and DC power connections
before servicing battery.
• Do not charge a frozen battery.
• Do not use charger if it has been dropped or other-
wise damaged.
3-3.3. Battery Care and Charging
CAUTION: Never smoke or bring open flame near
the battery. Gas formed during charging
is highly explosive and can cause seri-
ous injury.
1. Charge the battery only in areas designated for
that use.
2. Battery terminals should be checked and cleaned
of corrosion regularly. Good battery terminal con-
tact is essential not only for operation, but also for
proper charging of the battery.
3. The charging requirements will vary depending on
the use of the truck. The battery should be given
as equalizing charge on a weekly basis. This
charge should normally be an additional three
hours at the finish rate.
4. Make certain battery used meets weight and size
requirements of truck. NEVER operate truck with
an undersized battery.
3-3.4. Battery Cleaning
Always keep vent plugs tightly in place when cleaning
battery. When properly watered and charged, the bat-
tery will remain clean and dry. All that is necessary is
to brush or blow off any dust or dirt that may accumu-
late on them. However, if electrolyte is spilled or over-
flows from a cell, it should be neutralized with a
solution of baking soda and water, brushing the soda
solution beneath the connectors and removing grime
from the covers. Then rinse the battery with cool water
from a low pressure supply to remove the soda and
loosen dirt. If batteries stay wet consistently, they may
be either overcharged or over filled. This condition
should be investigated and corrected.
3-3.5. MAINTENANCE FREE BATTERIES
Some trucks may be equipped with maintenance free
batteries. These batteries are completely sealed, will
not require any watering and have a full 80% dis-
charge available.
Sealed Maintenance Free batteries contain a pressure
release valve and under normal operating conditions
do not require any special ventilation.
CAUTION: Do not try to open this battery or remove
the pressure release valve.
Only under severe overcharging, such as connected
to an improperly sized charger, will any significant
amount of gasses be released from the battery. Also,
being a valve regulated battery, it never requires
watering.
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