Page 57 - QH Battery Application Guide

Open-Circuit Voltage And High Rate Discharge Testers
1. Measure the open-circuit voltage of the battery using a
digital voltmeter or a multimeter. To obtain a stable voltage, the battery should not have been used or charged for a minimum of 12 hours before checking the voltage.
2. If the voltage is below 12.50V, charge the battery in accordance with the section above.
NOTE - this type of tester will only give an accurate result on a fully charged battery. A common mistake is to use this type of tester on a discharged battery, and to judge that battery is faulty if a cell is seen to boil. A boiling cell on a at battery does not mean that the battery is faulty.
3. Apply a load equal to half the SAE CCA cold cranking Amps for 15 seconds. Observe the voltage during this time and record the voltage after 15 seconds. You will nd the CCA in the battery speci cations section of the catalogue or on the label. Use an approved, calibrated tester.
4. If the voltage after 15 seconds is stable and above 9.60V, the battery is in a satisfactory condition with no faults.
5. If the voltage is below 9.60V after 15 seconds and is falling rapidly, the battery should be replaced. If it falls very slowly this indicates a discharged battery, recharge and re-test.
H) CHECKING BATTERY PERFORMANCE
ELECTRONIC TESTERS USING CONDUCTANCE TECHNOLOGY
Please refer to page 58.
Drop Testers
1. Drop testers have 2 spikes that are pressed into the tops
of the battery terminals and a simple voltmeter to check the discharge voltage.
2. We do not recommend these testers as:
• They are potentially unsafe to use as most types produce a
spark when the spikes are rst pressed into the terminals,
which could result in an explosion.
• The discharge rate is similar for all sizes of battery, and so
they do not give a good indication of battery condition.
• They give misleading results on discharged batteries.
I) MAINTENANCE IN SERVICE
General
1. Always refer to the information contained in the handbook or brochure supplied with the vehicle or equipment.
De nition Of Maintenance-Free
1. Some starter batteries for cars and commercial vehicles conform to the relevant sections of BS EN 60095-1: 1993 Amendment A12; 1999 for maintenance free characteristics. This means that in normal vehicle applications in temperate climate operation, it is not necessary to add de-ionised water.
2. Some batteries are designed to be topped up with de-ionised water if water should be lost owing to, for example, a charging system fault, prolonged operation in hot climates, excessive off-vehicle charging etc.
3. NOTE - the term maintenance free applies only when the battery is used in an approved automotive or commercial vehicle application.
De nition Of Low Maintenance
1. Low maintenance batteries in normal vehicle applications in temperate climate operation need water addition only at yearly intervals.
2. Some batteries are designed to be topped up with de-ionised water if water should be lost owing to, for example, a charging system fault, prolonged operation in hot climates, excessive off-vehicle charging etc.
3. NOTE - the term low maintenance applies only when the battery is used in an approved commercial vehicle application.
Battery Maintenance In Automotive Applications
1. Carry out the checks below at the recommended vehicle service intervals.
2. Check the electrolyte level and top up with de-ionised water if necessary. See section above for details about how to do this. (As explained above, it should not be necessary
to add water unless the battery has encountered exceptional conditions).
3. Check that the battery is clean and dry and that the vents are not obstructed.
4. Check that the terminal-connectors and the hold-down clamps are securely connected and corrosion free.
5. If the battery is on a vehicle that is not to be used for
an extended period (more than 1 month), disconnect it from the vehicle. Refer to Section G for information about removing the battery from the vehicle. Modern cars have electrical accessories that slowly discharge the battery even when the ignition key has been removed. Some accessories such as alarms, trackers and phones can cause a battery to become discharged in a few weeks.
6. Fully charge the battery before storage and give it a refreshing charge every 3 months.
Battery Maintenance In Non-Automotive Traction And Deep Discharge Application
1. Typical applications are lawnmowers, electric wheelchairs,
caravans etc. The Leisure battery range is recommended for these applications; standard vehicle batteries are
not suitable.
2. Ensure that the battery is always kept in as high a state of charge as possible. Always re-charge immediately after use.
3. Check the electrolyte levels on a regular basis dependant upon use. Charging batteries regularly on a non-vehicle charging system may result in a higher rate of water loss.
4. Check that the battery is clean and dry and that the vents are not obstructed.
5. If the battery is not to be used for an extended period (more than 1 month), fully charge it before storage, and give it a refreshing charge every 3 months.
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BATTERY CARE & MAINTENANCE