ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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2. Fixed load testing
Fixed load testers (sometimes called toasters) are
inexpensive load testers found at any auto parts store.
See Figure 7.42.
CAUTION: It is not recommended to use any
fixed load tester on a battery under 200 CCA. To
do so can boil the water out of the battery and
damage the plates in the battery.
NOTE: Because they have a fixed load value,
they do not give most batteries a reliable and
safe load test. Most fixed load testers have a
load that is more than 50% of the rated CCA of
riding mower batteries. This makes them inap-
propriate to use on smaller pieces of outdoor
power equipment.
2a. Disconnect the battery cables, ground first.
2b. Measure the temperature of the electrolyte
in the middle cells.
2c. Connect a voltmeter and the load tester to
the appropriate terminals.
2d. Apply the test load for 15 seconds. Monitor
the meter on the load tester for the bat-
tery’s performance.
2e. Refer to the manufacturer of the tester on
how to read the test meter.
2f. The results of this test are not accurate
and should only be relied on if the battery
fails badly.
Figure 7.42
3. Capacitance testing
There are several brands of capacitance battery testers
presently on the market. Capacitance battery testers
use the battery being tested as their power source.
These testers send a small AC signal through the bat-
tery to measure the capacity of the plate to hold a
charge.
Capacitance testers are very easy to use and are far
less damaging to the battery being tested. For these
reasons, capacitance battery testing is the preferred
method of battery testing.
NOTE: Contact the manufacturer of the tester
being used for specific test procedures.
3a. Connect the tester to the battery.
3b. Set the tester to the CCA rating of the bat-
tery.
3c. Initiate the test.
3d. Read the display of the tester. The tester’s
display will indicate if the battery passed or
not. See Figure 7.43.
Figure 7.43
Test Results
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