Cayman 2006 Electrical Systems - House • Section 8 — 199
Battery Maintenance
Liquid Lead Acid (LLA) battery cells should be checked
at least once a month. The level should be above the top of
the plates, but not overfull. The electrolyte level should be
approximately 3/8” below the well to allow room for expansion
while the battery is being charged. Over-fi lling the battery will
allow the electrolyte solution to boil or gas out of the battery
cap. Remember to use only distilled water to refi ll the battery. A
battery with a low electrolyte level will rapidly boil out the water
once the plates have been exposed to air.
Periodically check the batteries for corrosion and cracks.
Replace vent plugs that are cracked or missing. Keep the top of
the batteries clean. The accumulation of electrolyte and dirt may
permit small amounts of current to fl ow between the terminals,
which can drain the battery.
Check the battery connections for tightness and corrosion. If
corrosion is found, disconnect the cables (mark cable locations)
and carefully clean them with a mild solution of baking soda
and water, or an aerosol product specifi cally designed for battery
maintenance. DO NOT allow cleaning solution to seep into
the battery and damage the electrolyte balance. Use water to
rinse the top of the battery and surrounding area when done.
Carefully hook the cables back to the battery. The battery cable
to battery terminal connections should be metal to metal. Coat
the terminals with petroleum jelly or an anti-corrosion grease.
WARNING:
Liquid lead acid batteries produce hydrogen gas
while being charged. This is highly explosive. DO
NOT smoke around batteries and keep all source of
ignition or flames away from batteries. The hydrogen
gas may explode resulting in fire, personal injury,
property damage or death.
Testing the Battery
A battery can be tested and monitored several ways. The Monitor
Panel on the Systems Control Center in the hallway shows the voltage of
the house batteries. The most effi cient way of testing the LLA batteries is
to check the electrolyte solution using a hydrometer.
Checking the Electrolyte Solution:
Hydrometers are available in different types, such as cylinder
graduation (shown here) or fl oating ball types, and can be purchased from
most auto parts stores.
020034
030816b
Hydrometer (cylinder type)
shown testing LLA type battery.
020162g
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