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-filling the battery will allow the
electrolyte solution to boil or gas out of the bat-
tery cap. Remember to use only distilled water
to refill the battery. A battery with a low elec-
trolyte 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 flow between the terminals, which can drain the battery.
Check the battery connections for tightness and corro-
sion. If corrosion is found, disconnect the cables (mark
cable locations) and carefully clean them with a mild solu-
tion 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 bat-
tery and surrounding area when done. Carefully hook the
cables back to the battery. The battery cable to battery ter-
minal connections should be metal to metal. Coat the ter-
minals with petroleum jelly or an anti-corrosion grease.
WARNING:
Liquid lead acid batteries produce hydrogen gas while being charged. This is highly explo-
sive. 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 Aladdin System shows the voltage of the
house batteries at a quick glance. The most efficient way of testing the LLA batteries is to check the
electrolyte solution using a hydrometer.
Section 8 --- Electrical Systems - House
The Executive 2005
366
020162H
020034C
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