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5.5.3 Battery care
If the battery is still dry, it must be activated as
described in chapter “Activating a dry-charged
battery”.
The battery must be in operation within 2 months
from being activated; if not, it needs to be recharged
first.
5.5.3.1 Electrolyte
Electrolyte in batteries is a sulphuric acid solution in
distilled water.
The solution must be made up before being
introduced into the battery.
5.5.3.2 Activating a dry-charged battery
– Take out the battery.
– Battery and electrolyte must be at equal
temperature above 10°C.
– Remove cover and/or plug from each cell.
– Fill each cell with electrolyte until the level
reaches 10 to 15 mm above the plates, or to the
level marked on the battery.
– Rock the battery a few times so that possible air
bubbles can escape; wait 10 minutes and check the
level in each cell once more; if required, add
electrolyte.
– Refit plugs and/or cover.
– Place the battery in the generator.
5.5.3.3 Recharging a battery
Before and after charging a battery, always check the
electrolyte level in each cell; if required, top up with
distilled water only. When charging batteries, each
cell must be open, i.e. plugs and/or cover removed.
Apply with preference the slow charging method and
adjust the charge current according to the following
rule of thumb: battery capacity in Ah divided by 20
gives safe charging current in Amp.
5.5.3.4 Make-up distilled water
The amount of water evaporating from batteries is
largely dependant on the operating conditions, i.e.
temperatures, number of starts, running time between
start and stop, etc...
If a battery starts to need excessive make-up water,
this points to overcharging. Most common causes are
high temperatures or a too high voltage regulator
setting.
If a battery does not need any make-up water at all
over a considerable time of operation, an
undercharged battery condition may be caused by
poor cable connections or a too low voltage regulator
setting.
Before handling batteries, read the
relevant safety precautions and act
accordingly.
Read the safety instructions
carefully.
Use a commercial automatic battery
charger according to its
manufacturer’s instructions.
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