GE Industrial Solutions SG Series UL LISTED BATTERY CABINETS - Manual (Page 11)

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Installation and O&M manual for SG battery cabinets - OPM_SGS_XXU_ISG_BAT_XUS_V020.doc Installation Guide SG Series UL Battery cabinets
5 OPERATION & MAINTENANCE
! WARNINGS
Lead-acid batteries contain hazardous materials. Batteries must be handled, transported and recycled in
accordance with federal, state and local regulations. Because lead is a toxic substance, lead-acid batteries
must be recycled rather than discarded.
Servicing of batteries should be performed or supervised by personnel knowledgeable of batteries and the
required precautions. Keep unauthorized personnel away from batteries.
When replacing batteries, use the same number and type of batteries.
DC fuses operate at the rated battery voltage at all times. A blown DC bus fuse indicates a serious problem.
Serious injury or damage to the equipment can result if the fuse is replaced without knowing why it failed.
Do not open or mutilate the batteries.
Do not dispose of battery or batteries in a fire. The battery may explode.
A battery can present a risk of electrical shock and high short circuit current. The following precautions should
be observed when working on batteries:
• Remove watches, rings and other metal objects.
• Use tools with insulated handles.
• Wear rubber gloves and boots.
• Do not lay tools or metal parts on top of batteries.
• Disconnect charging source prior to connecting or disconnecting battery terminals.
• Determine if battery is inadvertently grounded. If inadvertently grounded, remove source of ground.
Contact with any part of a grounded battery can result in electrical shock. The likelihood of such shock
will be reduced if such grounds are removed during installation and maintenance.
Lead-acid batteries can present a risk of fire because they generate hydrogen gas. In addition, the electrical
connections must be protected against accidental short circuits, which can cause sparks. The following
procedures should be followed:
• DO NOT SMOKE when near batteries.
• DO NOT cause flame or spark in battery area.
• Discharge static electricity from body before touching batteries by first touching a grounded metal
surface.
• After replacing battery jars in a battery cabinet, replace the retaining straps that hold the jars in place
on the shelves. This will limit accidental movement of the jars and connectors should the cabinet ever
need to be repositioned or relocated.
Regular maintenance of the battery module is an absolute necessity. Periodic inspections of battery and
terminal voltages, specific gravity and connection resistance should be made. Strictly follow the procedures
outlined in the battery manufacturer’s manual, available on the manufacturer’s Web site.
Valve-regulated lead-acid (sealed-cell) batteries do require periodic maintenance. Although maintenance of
electrolyte levels is not required, visual inspections and checks of battery voltage and connection resistance
should be made.
NOTE
Do not use cleaners on the batteries. Solvents can make the battery cases brittle. Use only a dry cloth or a cloth
moistened in water.