START-UP AND OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
BIG 38/48
5.2.1 MEASURING SPECIFIC GRAVITY
The state of charge of the batteries should be tested while they are charging by using a hydrometer. Carry out
the following steps:
insert the syringe hydrometer and draw a sufficient quantity of electrolyte to bring the float to the
surface;
ensure that the top of it does not touch the rubber bulb or adhere to the glass walls through capillary
effect.
to measure the specific gravity, after adding distilled water, you must wait for density to become uniform
in all the liquid contained in the element.
5.2.2 TOPPING UP THE WATER
Add distilled water to each battery cell before charging to bring the liquid level to 6 mm above the
plates.
This operation should be repeated whenever the level falls, or in any case, at intervals of no more
than one week.
5.2.3 CHARGE LIMITS
There is no need to charge the battery if, at end of a day's work, the specific gravity has not fallen below 1.24
(28 Bè). The highest recommended temperature is 45°C. If the electrolyte temperature increases to more than
10/12°C above the environment temperature, the batteries may be overcharged, regardless of the actual
temperature reached.
5.2.4 BATTERIES NOT IN CONTINUOUS SERVICE OR INACTIVE
Inactive batteries will lose their charge spontaneously (self-discharge). If a period of battery inactivity is
expected, the following steps should be taken:
charge the batteries once a month with a "final" current intensity, until considerable gas is produced
in all the cells and voltage and specific gravity readings remain constant for 3-4 hours;
this should be done even if specific gravity measurements show high levels. If the battery remains
idle for long periods of time, it should be stored in a dry place.
5.2.5 BATTERY DISPOSAL
Expired batteries are classified as "toxic and hazardous" waste. For disposal purposes, they should be
entrusted exclusively to specialised companies with specific authorisation, which must be checked by the
battery owner. If this is not immediately possible,
“temporary storage” should be provided in compliance with
current legal requirements; this mainly involves:
obtaining temporary storage authorisation;
storing the batteries in plastic containers with a capacity not less than the volume of electrolyte
contained in the batteries and which can prevent any rainwater from seeping into the containers.