MAINTENANCE
I115SS
Rev. 001
22/12/2014
46/58
5.2.1 HYDROMETRY
The battery charge state should be checked while the batteries are charging by using a hydrometer. Proceed
as follows:
By using a syringe hydrometer draw a small quantity of electrolyte to cause the float to rise to the
surface;
Make sure that its top does not touch the rubber bulb or sticks to the glass walls under the effect of
capillarity.
For hydrometric measurements, after adding distilled water wait for density to become homogeneous
throughout the volume of liquid contained in the element.
5.2.2 WATER TOP-UPS
Add distilled water to each battery cell before charging to bring liquid level to 6 mm above the
plates.
This operation should be repeated whenever the level goes down, or in any case, at no more
than one week's intervals.
5.2.3 CHARGE LIMITS
Battery charging is not necessary if, at end of a day's work, hydrometric values have not gone below 1.24
(28 Bè). The highest recommended temperature is 45°C. If the electrolyte temperature is 10/12 °C higher
than the environment temperature, the batteries could overcharge regardless of the actually reached
temperature.
5.2.4 STANDBY OR INACTIVE BATTERIES
Inactive batteries will lose their charge spontaneously (self discharge). If a battery inactivity period is
expected, carry out the following operations:
Charge the batteries once a month by selecting a "charge end" current intensity, until
considerable gas development is observed in all the cells, and voltage and specific gravity
readings remain constant for 3-4 hours;
This should also be done if specific gravity measurements are high. Store inactive batteries in a
dry place
