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equalizing charge, and then specific gravity readings should be taken on all
cells. If
cells. If
all cells
gas evenly and specific gravity of
every cell
is normal, all the
battery needed was the charge. Otherwise, all low gravities should be
recorded, and an extra thorough charge, as described in section 1.2C should
be given. The temperature of all cells should be compared by thermometer
or IR camera with the rest of the cells. Sulfated cells will run hot enough to
cause damage if not corrected. Any cells that still will not gas with the extra
charging should be investigated for impurities and inspected for internal
short circuits.
recorded, and an extra thorough charge, as described in section 1.2C should
be given. The temperature of all cells should be compared by thermometer
or IR camera with the rest of the cells. Sulfated cells will run hot enough to
cause damage if not corrected. Any cells that still will not gas with the extra
charging should be investigated for impurities and inspected for internal
short circuits.
See section 3 for testing.
Additional information may be obtained from IEEE Standard 450-
1995--
Maintenance, Testing, and Replacement of Vented Lead-Acid Batteries. If this
standard does not help solve a problem, record the voltage of each cell and
the specific gravity of 10 percent of all the cells. Also, record the electrolyte
temperature and the ambient temperature, then contact the battery
the specific gravity of 10 percent of all the cells. Also, record the electrolyte
temperature and the ambient temperature, then contact the battery
manufacturer for assistance.
1.13 CELL REPLACEMENT
1.13 CELL REPLACEMENT
A faulty cell may be replaced by one in good condition of the same make,
type, rating, and approximate age. A new cell should not be installed in
series with older cells except as a last resort. A battery may be operated
without several cells by proper adjustment of float and equalizing voltages,
provided discharge capacity requirements can be met.
series with older cells except as a last resort. A battery may be operated
without several cells by proper adjustment of float and equalizing voltages,
provided discharge capacity requirements can be met.
2. LEAD-ACID BATTERY PRINCIPLES
2.1 PURPOSE
2.1 PURPOSE
This section describes the principles of lead-acid battery care and how to
determine if the care is adequate and correct. The most important part of
battery care is a proper charging program. Keeping and comparing accurate
records of physical conditions and measured data assists in determining
whether the charging program is correct. Correct charging is critical for
long battery life and reliability of service.
determine if the care is adequate and correct. The most important part of
battery care is a proper charging program. Keeping and comparing accurate
records of physical conditions and measured data assists in determining
whether the charging program is correct. Correct charging is critical for
long battery life and reliability of service.
The following discussion describes cell conditions with both proper and
improper operation and maintenance. These principles do not take
precedence over the manufacturer's instructions, but provide explanations
and details.
improper operation and maintenance. These principles do not take
precedence over the manufacturer's instructions, but provide explanations
and details.
2.2 FULL CHARGE
2.2 FULL CHARGE
Knowing when a cell is fully charged is important. A cell is fully charged
when, charging at the equalizing rate, the cell is gassing, specific gravity has
stopped rising, and specific gravity remains constant for two successive
readings. Hydrometer readings must be corrected for any changes in cell
temperature that have occurred between readings. These two readings
should be taken during the last one-eighth of the charging period.
when, charging at the equalizing rate, the cell is gassing, specific gravity has
stopped rising, and specific gravity remains constant for two successive
readings. Hydrometer readings must be corrected for any changes in cell
temperature that have occurred between readings. These two readings
should be taken during the last one-eighth of the charging period.