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PAGE 56 — INDUSTRIAL GENERATOR SETS — APPLICATION & INSTALLATION MANUAL — REV. #4 (09/07/07)
BATTERY SYSTEM — CHARGING BATTERY
Charging Low Water-loss Batteries
Before charging the battery, refer to page 11 for
battery safety
instructions
.
Do not allow untrained personnel charge a battery until they
have been thoroughly instructed in the step-by-step
procedures of charging and all safety precautions.
Battery chargers operate automatically or should include a
charge duration control of some type. This control is a timer
which the operator sets.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the charger. If,
when charging the battery, violent gassing or spewing of
electrolyte occurs, or the battery case feels hot (125°F/52°C),
cease charging to avoid damaging the battery.
Always turn the charger to the "Off" position (if not automatic)
before connecting the leads to the battery. If there is any
doubt about the charger being off, disconnect the charger
from the power source.
If the battery does not indicate it is charged after the proper
amount of charge time recommended, the charge should be
repeated. If the battery is still uncharged after two charges,
the battery should be replaced.
For best results, batteries should be charged while the
electrolyte is at room temperature (55-85°F/13-30°C). A
battery that is extremely cold or has remained in a completely
discharged condition may not accept current for several hours
after starting the charger.
Since age, capacity, state of charge, and type of batteries
vary,
time
and
attention
must be given to batteries during
any charging process.
If a battery is to be recharged overnight (16 hours), a timer
or voltage controlled (16.0 volts) charger is recommended.
If the charger does not have such controls, a 3 amp rate
should be used for batteries of 80 minutes or less reserve
capacity, and 5 amps for batteries with 80 to 125 minutes
reserve capacity. Batters over 125 reserve minutes should
be charged at the specified slow charge rate.
Battery Storage
Low water-loss batteries have excellent shelf life due to their
low self-discharge rates. One of their major advantages is
they normally can be installed without charging if good stock
rotation and inventory controls are maintained.
The batteries must be kept in an upright position. It is
possible for electrolyte to escape through the vents if the
batteries are turned on their sides or top. Batteries should
be stored in a cool, dry place. Storage above 80°F (26.7°C)
increases self-discharge. If batteries are discharged, the
electrolyte may freeze when subsequently stored below 20°F
(-7°C). It is advantageous to store fully charged batteries at
low temperatures, because the self-discharge rate drops as
the temperature decreases.
Batteries in stock should be recharged when the open circuit
voltage falls to 12.2 volts or when indicated by the built-in
hydrometer as specified by the manufacturer.