Alpha Technologies PME Series - Manual (Page 51)

51 031-161-B0-006, Rev. F
3.0 Pole-mount Enclosure Maintenance
Preventive Maintenance should be performed every three to six months.
Inspect the Pole-mount Enclosure
Perform a complete inspection of the Pole-mount Enclosure. Look for signs of rust and corrosion,
paying particular attention to the battery trays. Clean any rust or corrosion immediately.
Inspect the Mounting Brackets and Hardware
Carefully inspect the mounting bracket and mounting hardware. Look for signs of unusual wear and
loose hardware. Correct all mounting hardware failures immediately.
Check Battery Terminals and Connecting Wires
Care of the batteries is a critical step in any maintenance program. In addition to voltage checks,
visually inspect the batteries for signs of cracking, leaking, or swelling. To aid in quick identifi cation,
and tracking of voltages in the maintenance log, number the batteries inside the enclosure using
labels or masking tape. Batteries are temperature sensitive and susceptible to overcharging and
undercharging. Since batteries behave differently in the winter than in the summer, Alpha’s battery
chargers automatically compensate for changes in temperature by adjusting fl oat and accept charge
voltages. See the power supply's technical manual for complete preventive maintenance instructions.
Check each battery terminal and connection. Verify the posts are clean and the crimped connectors
are tight. Torque terminal connections to the manufacturer's recommendation. If there is an inline fuse
in the battery cable, check the fuse holder and fuse. Verify the terminals are properly protected with
an approved battery terminal corrosion inhibitor such as NCP-2. Record date of maintenance in the
maintenance log.
Check Battery Open Circuit Voltage
Switch the power supply’s BATTERY BREAKER to the OFF position. Disconnect the battery
connector from the Inverter Module and measure the individual voltage across each battery. The
difference between any battery in the string must not be greater than 0.3Vdc. Defective or marginal
batteries must be replaced with an identical type of battery. Record the unloaded battery voltages in
the maintenance log.
When the power supply’s BATTERY BREAKER is turned OFF, or the batteries are not connected, backup
power is not available.
NOTE: