A. Disconnect the battery cables (ground connection
first) and connect the voltmeter and load test leads
to the battery terminals, making sure the load
switch on the tester is in the “OFF” position.
B. Apply a test load equal to 1 /2 the Cold Cranking
Amperes @ 0°F (-l8°C) Rating of the battery, for
15 seconds. (Example: a battery has a Cold
Cranking Rating @ 0°F (- 18°C) of 350 amperes.
Use a test load of 175 amperes.)
C. Read the voltage at 15 seconds and remove the
load. If the voltage is less than the minimum spec-
ified in the “Voltage Chart” (see “Maintenance-
Free Battery Testing Chart”, in Troubleshooting
section) replace the battery. If the voltage meets or
exceeds the specified minimum, clean and return
battery to service.
If the state of charge of a battery cannot be deter-
mined and the battery fails the load test, it must be re-
charged and retested. If it meets the specified voltage
on the second test return it to service. If it does not
meet the specified voltage on the second test, replace
the battery.
The above is a standard test procedure to determine
the ability of a battery to function properly. If a commer-
cially available tester is being used to analyze the bat-
tery, follow the instructions of the equipment
manufacturer.
CHARGING MAINTENANCE-FREE BATTERIES
Maintenance-free batteries contain sulfuric acid and
generate explosive hydrogen and oxygen gases the
same as all lead acid batteries. No one should charge
a battery unless they have been thoroughly instructed
concerning the step by step procedures to use and the
safety precautions to take.
It must be realized that maintenance-free batteries
cannot be charged at ampere rates or periods of time
greater than specified in the “12-Volt Maintenance-
Free Battery Charging Guide”. If the battery is charged
more than specified, it loses water which cannot be re-
placed in some constructions so the life of the battery
is shortened. Battery chargers for maintenance-free
batteries should include a charge duration control of
some sort. The simplest control is a timer which the op-
erator sets. Voltage controls can limit the charge more
consistently and accurately. Such controls also may
have a safety feature that prevents sparks and reverse
charging when the clamps are connected in reverse,
by mistake.
Place a wet cloth over the vent opening or openings. If,
when charging the battery, violent gassing or spewing
of electrolyte occurs, or the battery case feels hot
(125°F, 52°C), reduce or temporarily halt charging to
avoid damaging the battery.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the charger.
If they can no longer be read and a copy of them is not
available, write to the manufacturer for a copy and
paste it on the charger. Never use a charger without
these instructions.
Always turn the charger to the “OFF” position before
connecting the leads to the battery. If you have any
doubts that the charger is actually “OFF”, disconnect it
from the power source.
The state-of-charge of maintenance-free batteries can
be determined with an accurate voltmeter. A voltmeter
should not be used unless it can be checked frequently
against one of known accuracy. If the stabilized volt-
age of a battery at room temperature is 12.2 volts, is
should be charged for one-half the time shown in the
“Slow Charge” column of the Charging Guide, at the
applicable rate in amperes. If the voltage is 12.4 volts,
it should be charged for one-fourth the time shown in
the “Slow Charge” column, at the applicable charging
rate. Follow the manufacturers instructions on batter-
ies equipped with state-of-charge indicators.
MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION
4 - 28 Revised: March 2005RT700 Series
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
