Batteries
Battery Safety
WARNING!
To prevent battery explosion that could result in severe personal injury or death, keep all smoking materials, open
flame or sparks away from the batteries.
•
Hydrogen gas is generated as a natural part of the lead acid battery charging process. A 4% concentration of
hydrogen gas is explosive and could cause severe injury or death. Charging must take place in an area that is
adequately ventilated (minimum of 5 air exchanges per hour).
•
To reduce the chance of battery explosion that could result in severe injury or death, never smoke around or
charge batteries in an area that has an open flame or electrical equipment that could cause and electrical arc.
•
Vehicle batteries must be fully charged before initial use.
•
Be sure that the key switch is off and all electrical accessories are turned off before starting work on the
vehicle.
•
Never disconnect a circuit under load at a battery terminal.
•
Batteries are heavy. Use proper lifting techniques when moving them. Always lift the battery with a
commercially available battery lifting device. Use caution not to tip batteries when removing or installing them;
spilled electrolyte can cause burns and damage.
•
The electrolyte in a storage battery is an acid solution which can cause severe burns to the skin and eyes.
Treat all electrolyte spills to the body and eyes with extended flushing with clear water. Contact a physician
immediately.
•
Always wear a safety shield or approved safety goggles when adding water or charging batteries.
•
Any electrolyte spills should be neutralised with a solution of ¼ cup (160ml) sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
dissolved in 6litres of water and flushed with water.
•
Overfilling batteries may result in electrolyte being expelled from the battery during the charge cycle. Expelled
electrolyte may cause damage to the vehicle and storage facility.
•
Aerosol containers of battery terminal
protectant must be used with extreme caution. Insulate
metal container
to prevent can from conducting battery terminals which could result in an explosion.
•
Wrap wrenches with vinyl tape to prevent the possibility of a dropped wrench from shorting out a battery,
which could result in an explosion and severe personal injury or death.
•
Use protection when working on the vehicle. Use extra caution when working around batteries or using
solvents or compressed air. Use eye protection, hand protection, foot protection, body protection or any
other safety equipment based on the maintenance being carried out on the vehicle.
Charger Installation
(Not applicable for optional onboard charger)
WARNING!
To prevent overheating that may cause serious damage to the charger and create the potential for fire, do not
block or obstruct the airways. Chargers must be mounted on a platform above the ground or in such a manner
as to permit the maximum air flow underneath and around the charger.
Prior to vehicle or charger operation, chargers must be removed and mounted on a platform or wall above the
ground to permit maximum air flow around and underneath the charger. The charger
must not be operated in
an outdoor location, water and sun protection must be provided. The charger
must never
come into contact
with water. A dedicated circuit is required for the charger. Refer to the charger manual for appropriate circuit
protection. Make sure the AC power outlet is turned off when you insert the polarised DC plug completely into the
vehicle receptacle.
Then
turn the charger on by switching the AC wall switch to”ON”.
The charger
will automatically start a few
seconds after you switch it on. The charger will automatically stop when batteries are fully charged. Switch the AC
power off at the wall outlet and the DC plug can be removed to permit use of the vehicle. Some chargers
require
that you push the “STOP” button before removing the plug from the vehicle even when the AC power is turned off
at the wall outlet.
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