Basement Watchdog Emergency - Manual (Page 8)

Battery Instructions
The Emergency Sump Pump Standby
Battery has been designed to run this
system for a minimum of 6 hours of
continuous pumping. However, most of the
time the pump will turn on and off, and the
battery will run the pump intermittently for
days. In addition, the unique materials in
the battery enable it to last longer...for five to
seven years in standby service. To extend
the run time of the pump, use the Basement
Watchdog 7.5 Hour Battery. It will run this
pump continuously for 12 hours. Why will it
run longer than the time stated on the box?
Because the 7.5 hour battery is rated for
other Basement Watchdog products that
use more power (amps). The Emergency
pump puts less drain on the battery.
The use of automotive batteries is not
recommended.
Automotive batteries are
not designed for this application. They will
only run the pump for a short time and will
have a shorter life than a standby battery.
In addition, the battery fluid sensor and cap
are designed to fit the Basement Watchdog
batteries. (As a safety precaution, do not use
the cap on batteries of a different brand, and
do not drill a hole in the cap of another brand
of battery to accommodate the sensor.)
PREPARING THE EMERGENCY
STANDBY BATTERY
The Emergency Sump Pump Battery is
shipped dry (without acid) so it never loses
power before you take it home. A battery is
activated when the acid is added, and then it
slowly begins to deteriorate as it ages. By
adding the acid just before use, the battery
will always be fresh. Use 1.265 specific
gravity battery acid to fill the battery. It is
available where you purchased the battery.
IMPORTANT: REVIEW THE
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE YOU PROCEED
1. Place the battery on the floor. (NOTE:
You may want to purchase a marine
battery box to hold the battery.)
2. Remove the foil seal on the top of the
battery.
3. (a) Carefully push in the perforated tab
at the top of the acid pack. Pull up the
large tab and pull out the dispensing
hose. Hold the hose upright above the
pack and squeeze the hose forcing all
the acid back into the pack. Cut off the
tip of the hose.
(b) Position the acid
pack and battery as shown in picture 3b.
Insert the end of the hose into each cell.
Control the flow by pinching the hose
with thumb and forefinger. Fill each cell
of the battery to a level just covering the
battery plates, then go back and top off
each cell equally. It is important to have
the cells filled equally.
(c) The acid
should reach a level just below the cap
ring. (Diagram C)
A newly filled battery will sometimes
require additional acid after about ten
minutes. Re-examine the fill level and
add additional acid, if necessary. The
battery acid may bubble at this time and
give off a sulfur-like smell, but this is
normal. After the battery has been filled,
screw the caps on the top of the battery.
Always be careful and avoid contact with
skin, clothing, furniture or floor.
When you fill the battery for the first time, it
will be the only time you add acid to the
battery.
When the fluid level is low, add
distilled water to the cells. Never add more
acid.
Page 7
2nd LEVEL
1st LEVEL
PLATES
CELL WALL
1. FILL TO 1st LEVEL, COVER THE PLATES
2. THEN FILL TO 2nd LEVEL, JUST BELOW
THE BOTTOM OF THE CAP RINGS
BATTERY TERMINALS
BATTERY CAP RINGS
CROSS SECTION OF BATTERY
Diagram C
1 & 2 3a
3b 3c