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2 0 0 8 l a Pa l m a X l
electrIcal systems - house — 8
Temperature and recent battery activity
(charging or discharging) affect the hydrometer
readings. It is best to check the battery when
it has been “at rest” for at least three hours,
although readings taken at other times will
give a “ballpark” figure. When using the
hydrometer, draw the electrolyte solution up into
the tube. Allow the
hydrometer to attain
the same temperature
as the electrolyte
solution. Note the
reading for that cell.
Complete the same
test for the rest of the
cells on that battery
bank.
The hydrometer is
calibrated at 80° F.
Temperature affects
the hydrometer
readings. The higher
the electrolyte
temperature, the
higher the specific
gravity reading.
The lower the
temperature, the
lower the specific
gravity reading.
Add or subtract four
points for each 10°
variance from the
80° F chart. Readings
between cells should
not vary more than
50 points.
If one cell in a particular battery bank being
tested is at a 50% state of charge while the
others are indicating a full charge, charge only
that battery to see if the low cell will come up.
At the same time, do not over charge the healthy
cells.
If the low cell does not come up after charging,
this battery can damage the rest of the battery
bank and should be replaced. An accurate digital
Volt meter
+
- .5% will also give an indicator of
the battery’s state of charge.
Placing a load on the Battery:
Another test that can be
performed is to place a specific
load on the battery for a
predetermined length of time
equal to that particular battery’s
rating. This machine is usually
an adjustable carbon pile that can vary the load
being applied to the batteries while monitoring
voltage to see if they will perform to their
specific rated capacities.
NOTE:
See the chart for temperature
compensation. Liquid levels should be
even between the cells of the battery
being tested as it will affect the accuracy
of the test.
WARNING:
Sulfuric acid in the batteries can cause
severe injury or death. Sulfuric acid
can cause permanent damage to eyes,
burn skin and eat holes in clothing.
Always wear splash-proof safety goggles
when working around the battery. If
the battery electrolyte is splashed in
the eyes, or on skin, immediately flush
the affected area for 15 minutes with
large quantities of clean water. In case
of eye contact, seek immediate medical
aid. Never add acid to a battery once
the battery has been placed in service.
Doing so may result in hazardous
splattering of electrolyte.
Battery Charge Time & Consumption Rate
Calculating Run Times:
Calculating run time figures when operating
120 Volt AC electrical items with an inverter
can be exponential due to battery characteristics.
Flow characteristics of electrons vary
with different battery types and chemical
compositions. Deep cycle batteries are generally
designed to slowly release a majority of their
charge capacity. Deep cycle batteries are
rated in amp hours (Ahrs) with the discharge
occurring over an extended period of time
before the battery is charged. Engine starting
batteries are designed to quickly release large
amounts of current for short durations, without
depleting battery reserves. Commercial type
batteries bridge the gap of deep cycle and engine
batteries. Commercial batteries release medium
amounts of current over a longer period of time
but they are not designed to cycle their charge
capacity.
Temperature
Correction Chart
030815
tools 2
Summary of Contents for 2008 LaPalma XL
Page 12: ......
Page 14: ......
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Page 47: ...43 2008 LaPalma XL driving safety 2 Weight Record Sheet Actual Worksheet 020255b...
Page 102: ...appliances 4 98 2008 Lapalma xl Notes...
Page 128: ...equipment 5 124 2008 LaPalma xl Notes...
Page 144: ...water systems 6 140 2008 LaPalma xl Notes...
Page 172: ...electrical systems house 8 168 2008 LaPalma xl Notes...
Page 188: ...electrical systems chassis 9 184 2008 LaPalma xl engine no start flow chart...
Page 232: ...INDEX 228 2008 LaPalma xl Notes...