Crown Battery 110S

- Test batteries using three testing instruments

- The specific gravity and open circuit voltage readings are normally in direct proportion to each other; consequently, a voltmeter or hydrometer can be used to check the battery

- The use of the voltmeter is a faster method of approximating the individual cell state of charge and can reduce dramatically the time required for routine battery checking. When using the voltmeter method, take specific gravity readings on the two cells having the highest and lowest voltage readings

- This will confirm both cells state of charge and accurately pinpoint the difference in the state of charge between them. The voltmeter is used when on‐charge or on‐discharge voltage readings are needed

- A battery thermometer is read like a normal thermometer. A proper thermometer should have specific gravity correction marked on its scale

- The hydrometer has an extra‐long scale to make readings more accurate. For ease of correcting for temperature, the specific gravity corrections are marked on the scale of the thermometer. The cell tester (voltmeter) has a 1.5 to 3.0 volt scale and an easy‐to‐handle, one‐piece terminal probe;

Each cell of a battery has slight differences in uniformity of construction and content. These differences cause some cells to take less charge than the other cells in the battery. After a while the state of charge of the cells, which require more charge than the others will drift back in capacity and the battery will not deliver its full capacity

To bring the cells with a lower state of charge up to the same level as the others, the battery is given an "equalizing charge". The cells with a higher state of charge will be somewhat overcharged in order to bring the cells with a below normal state of charge up to full charge

The recommended frequency of equalization is dependent upon how often the batteries are cycled and the depth of the cycles. The frequency of equalization can dramatically affect the operational costs of the vehicle

Unnecessary equalizing charges, in addition to consuming electricity, can result in significant loss of battery life caused by overcharge. The following examples will give you a good idea of a reasonable battery-equalizing schedule for a specific battery operation

1. For batteries that are cycled only once or twice a week to an average depth of 30%-60%, a monthly equalizing charge is sufficient to keep them fully charged

2. Batteries that are discharged regularly- three or more cycles per week and to an average discharge depth of 60%-80% of their rating- can be kept healthy by equalizing them every two months

3. Batteries that are cycled four to eight times a month at any dept require equalizing about every month to keep them in a healthy condition

4. Batteries that are cycled five or more times a week at an average discharge of 60%‐80% may not need equalizing charges unless stored;

As is true with any piece of industrial equipment, proper maintenance not only keeps it operating to its design specifications, but also helps prolong the equipments life. The following effective battery maintenance tips can help achieve the best performance out of your industrial battery

1. Maintain the proper electrolyte level. Avoid overfilling

2. Charge properly, check charger controls and instruments periodically. Calibrate meters as needed

3. Repair any damage promptly. Minor damage, if not repaired in a timely manner, can lead to major damage

4. Don't overcharge, many batteries deliver short service life from too much charge

- To prevent corrosion and the resultant problems, batteries must be cleaned and dries routinely

Sometimes minor spills or overflows of electrolyte occur due to overfilling. Instead of giving the battery a general cleaning at this time, the moisture can be removed with rags or paper towels. (This should be immediately disposed of.)

The frequency of a general cleaning depends upon two factors:

1. How quickly dust, dirt, oil, and other foreign matter accumulates on the top of the battery, and 2. How quick the electrolyte spillage accumulates

When the top of a battery is "dirty" or looks damp, it is ready for a general cleaning. It could be as often as every two weeks or as infrequent as every six months, depending on the battery's environment and the care it receives. The average battery needs general cleaning every three months

To give a battery a general cleaning, use Powerhouse Cleaner's 3 Step Process (Corrosion Remover, Battery Cleaner, Rinse)

Powerhouse's Corrosion Remover was developed specifically for the removal of heavy corrosion and acid neutralization. For use, spray onto the corroded areas (will turn a rust looking color) and let sit for at least 10 minutes

Powerhouse's Battery Cleaner is a mixture of 2 parts cleaning detergent to 1 part acid neutralizer. Battery Cleaner is OSHA compliant and environmentally safe. For use, spray across the entire battery and let sit for at least 10 minutes

After the Corrosion Remover and Battery Cleaner have both sat for at least 10 minutes the battery can now be rinsed. The corrosion and acid should be neutralized and can be washed down the drain (note if lead pieces from the top of the battery are in the water they should be disposed of properly.)

Warning: This test requires trained personnel with PPE!

Specific gravities at manufacturers specifications?

If not, adjust the specific gravities accordingly.

Battery cooled down to 75°F to 85°F?

If not, allow the battery to cool down before testing.

Battery discharged within 24 hours of completion of charging and acid adjustment?

If not, discharge the battery accordingly.

Any dead cells taken out of circuit?