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VRLA BATTERIES

AUGUST 2003

This information is generally descriptive only and is not intended to make or imply any representation, guarantee or warranty with respect to any cells and batteries. Cell and battery designs/specifications are subject
to modification without notice. Contact Panasonic for the latest information.

Precautions for handling Valve-Regulated
Lead-Acid Batteries

This document should be read in its entirety
and its contents fully understood before
handling or using Panasonic rechargeable
Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid batteries. If there
are any questions, please contact Panasonic.
Please keep this document available for
reference. Due to the potential energy stored
in the batteries, improper handling or use of
the batteries by not observing the precautions
listed in this document may result in bodily
injury caused by electrolyte leakage, heat
generation, or explosion.

* All descriptions are subject to modification without notice.

Degree of danger

1. DANGER

Indicates an imminently hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious
injury.

2. WARNING

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in death or injury.

3. CAUTION

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, may result in minor or moderate
injury, or damage to equipment.

4. RECOMMENDATION

Recommended course of action to prevent a situation
that could result in damage of quality, performance or
reliability of the batteries, should they be mishandled.

(Remark 1) Even in cases where lead-acid batteries

are handled improperly, a situation that
will result in the immediate death of the
user is highly unlikely. However, we have
assumed the higher DANGER level
situation instead of the WARNING and
CAUTION levels because the high
energy stored in batteries still implies a
possibility of extreme hazard which
might lead to serious injury.

(Remark 2) Serious injury here would include injury,

loss of eyesight, burns, electric shocks,
bone fractures and poisoning that will
cause permanent damage or require
hospitalization or intensive treatment
over an extended period. Minor injury
includes slight burns and electric shock.
Property damage means damage to
buildings and household effects includ-
ing livestock and pets.

(Remark  3) RECOMMENDATION refers to the

suggested means by which to protect
batteries from impaired quality, perfor-
mance and reliability.

PRECAUTIONS FOR HANDLING VALVE-REGULATED LEAD-ACID BATTERIES

Summary of Contents for VRLA

Page 1: ...uation which if not avoided could result in death or injury 3 CAUTION Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which if not avoided may result in minor or moderate injury or damage to equipment 4 RECOMMENDATION Recommended course of action to prevent a situation that could result in damage of quality performance or reliability of the batteries should they be mishandled Remark 1 Even in cases wh...

Page 2: ...o not place the battery near a device that may cause sparks such as a switch or a fuse The battery may generate flammable gas when charged so remember to keep the battery away from fire oran open flame to prevent any sparks from igniting or causing explosions 5 Avoid placing the battery near a heat generating part such as a transformer Using the battery near a heat source may cause the battery to ...

Page 3: ...tion could result in an explosion or fire due to hydrogen gas emitted by the battery WARNING 1 Do not contact any plastic or resin containing a migrating plasticizer with the batteries Avoid using organic solvents such as thinner gasoline lamp oil benzine and liquid detergent to clean the batteries The use of any of the above materials may cause the containers and or the covers ABS resin of the ba...

Page 4: ...k causing leakage of the battery 7 Do not cover the battery with a material which generates static electricity such as a PVC sheet A static charge may trigger fire or explosion 8 In fastening bolts and nuts of the battery observe the torque values specified otherwise sparks may be generated and damage of the terminal may occur The fastening torque of bolts and nuts is as follows P a n a s o n i c ...

Page 5: ...kage fire or bursting of the battery REQUEST 1 Since the batteries tend to lose a part of their capacity due to self discharge during shipment and storage recharge the batteries before you use them after purchase or long term storage in order to restore their full capacity Check for the following conditions before recharging 4 Unspecified Use CAUTION 1 Do not place the batteries in an unspecified ...

Page 6: ... a battery of irregular appearance continues to be used decrease of capacity leakage of electricity fumes ignition or other problems may result 2 If any irregularity is found in areas such as the charge voltage and discharge characteristics of the battery replace it 3 For safety make sure to observe the following Otherwise leakage ignition or an explosion of the battery may occur 1 Do not charge t...

Page 7: ...weak current 3 If a charge method and a charge condition other than that described in the specification and the technical brochures is to be adopted charge discharge characteristics and life characteristics of the battery should be thoroughly checked in advance The adoption of adequate charge methods and adequate charge conditions are crucial to ensure safe use of the battery and for fully utilizi...

Page 8: ...e cloth by squeezing it well Do not use a dry cloth or a duster as it may cause the battery to generate static electricity leading to possible ignition and bursting of the battery 2 Replace the battery with a new one within the time period specified in the instruction manual or equipment Follow the guideline which states the battery should be replaced when its capacity has decreased to 50 of the i...

Page 9: ...y cause damage to the battery and the deterioration of characteristics 4 When storing the battery remove it from the equipment or disconnect it from the charger or the load and keep it in a place where temperature is low Do not store the battery under direct sunlight or in high temperatures 140 F 60 C or higher or in a highly humid atmosphere because rusting deterioration of performance and life o...

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