Crown Battery 18-125VTA-15

- 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;

This is the complete recharge of a battery after it has been fully or partially discharged during normal operation. In general, a cycle charge is based on an 8‐hour charging cycles, but can be extended, depending on need

A freshening charge is used to bring a battery to a fully charged condition before it is placed in service or when it has been standing idle for a short period. It takes about three hours at the finish charge rate (3‐6 amperes per 100‐ampere hours of the battery’s 6‐hour capacity rating)

When a battery is placed on charge, the opposite action of battery discharging takes place; the sulfate in the active material of the plates is driven back into the electrolyte

This reduces the sulfate in the plates and increases the specific gravity of the electrolyte and the electrochemical process continues until the on-charge cell voltages reach 2.50 to 2.70 volts per cell, depending on the type of charging equipment used

Finish rate or "normal" rate is that current which can be used safely any time charging is required and which can be continued after the completion of the charge without causing excessive gassing or high temperature resulting from overcharge. The finish rate is shown on the nameplate of Crown Batteries

Generally, the finish rate is 3.5 amperes per 100 hours of the battery's 6-hour rated capacity. A partially or completely discharged battery can safely handle currents much higher than the finish rate, but as it approaches full charge, whatever charging rate is used must be reduced to the finish rate

- 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: Battery replacement should be done by trained personnel only!

Old battery removed successfully?

New battery installed successfully?

Enter the voltage reading of the new battery

Enter the model of the new battery

Sign off on the battery replacement

Warning: This procedure requires trained personnel!

Enter the current charge of the battery (in amperes)

If the charger is rated higher than the connector on the battery, proceed with the following modifications:

After modifications, adjust the charger settings.

Was the charger settings adjusted successfully?

Enter the new charge of the battery (in amperes)

Sign off on the battery opportunity charging