GB-38
RANSOMES DIABLINE
SAFETY AND OPERATORS MANUAL
If any specifi c gravity reading still registers lower
than the factory specifi cation, one or more of these
conditions may exist:
1.
The battery is old and nearing end of life.
2.
The battery was left discharged too long.
3.
Electrolyte was lost due to spillage.
4.
A weak or bad cell is developing.
5.
The battery was over-watered prior to
testing.
Batteries in conditions 1-4 should be taken to a
specialist for further evaluation or retired from
service.
Open-Circuit Voltage Testing
For accurate voltage readings, batteries must
remain idle (no charging, no discharging) for at
least 6 hours, and preferably 24 hours.
1.
Disconnect all loads from the batteries.
2.
Measure the voltage with a DC voltmeter.
3.
Check the state of charge with the table
below.
4.
Charge the battery if it registers 0-70%
charged.
If battery registers below table values, these
conditions may exist:
1.
The battery was left discharged too long.
2.
The battery has a bad cell.
Batteries in these conditions should be taken to a
specialist for further evaluation, or retired from
service.
Watering
(Flooded batteries only)
Water should only be added after fully charging the
battery. Prior to charging, there should be enough
water to cover the plates. If the battery has been
discharged (partially or fully), the water level should
also be above the plates.
Important things to remember:
1.
Do not allow plates to be exposed to air.
2.
Do not fi ll the water all the way up to the
cap.
3.
Do not use water with a high mineral
content.
4.
Use only distilled or deionized water.
CAUTION: The electrolyte is a solution
of acid and water, so skin contact
should be avoided.
State of charge as related to specifi c gravity and
open-circuit voltage
Procedure:
1.
Remove the vent caps and check the
electrolyte level; the minimum level is to
the top of the plates.
2.
If there is no electrolyte visible, add just
enough water to cover the plates.
3.
Replace and tighten all water vent caps.
4.
Put batteries on a complete charge
before adding any more water.
(See Charging section.)
5.
Once charging is completed, remove the
vent caps and check the electrolyte level.
