Exide Technologies GB3696 - Manual (Page 2)

4. OPERATION
Batteries are rated in ampere-hours (Ah) and are selected to
perform a specific workload within an established period of
time. Increasing the workload or time period could result in
over discharging, thus shortening battery life. Limit
discharging of the battery (to 80% or less) so that specific
gravities do not go below 1.180. If truck operation results in
only partial discharges (40% or less) and specific gravities
are 1.230 or more at the end of the shift, recharging may be
deferred and the battery used for another shift, providing the
workload is not expected to increase. Hydrometer readings
and experience will determine the frequency of charge
intervals under these circumstances.
A battery should always be recharged immediately following a
complete discharge. Never allow it to remain in a discharged
condition, otherwise, permanent damage may result.
A battery is designed to be operated as follows:
8 hours discharge
8 hours charge
8 hours cool-down or rest designed and built
Flooded flat-plate motive power batteries are designed and
built to deliver 80% of their rated capacity at 77°F (25°C.)
5. TEMPERATURE
In the operation of motive power lead acid batteries, the
electrolyte temperature must not exceed 110°F (43°C). If the
battery is continuously operated at or above this
temperature, the service life of the battery will be severely
diminished. Under normal operating conditions, battery
electrolyte temperature should be maintained between
60-100°F (15-38°C). Following charging, the battery should
be allowed to cool-down or rest approximately 8 hours prior
to another discharge cycle.
If a battery is ever hot to the touch, allow it to cool to room
temperature before charging or discharging. If a battery
consistently operates at high tempertures greater than
100°F (38°C), contact your local GNB Industrial Power
representative for service.
6. CHARGING
When recharging a fully discharged battery, the starting
charge rate may be 3 to 5 times higher than the finish charge
rate indicated on the battery nameplate. The charge rate
should taper down to the finish rate by the time the battery is
85% charged and may be even lower when fully charged.
High “on charge” temperatures or frequent need for water
additions are indications of overcharging. Short running
times and/or low end-of-charge specific gravities may
indicate inadequate recharge. Consult your local GNB
Industrial Power representative on specific charging
problems.
The ampere-hour rating of the charger applied to the battery
should be within 10% of the ampere-hour rating of the battery.
7. MAINTENANCE
• KEEP RECORDS… Showing specific gravities,
equalizing, charging, temperature, and voltages
on a monthly basis. These records are required
to maintain your warranty.
• TEMPERATURE… Under normal operating conditions,
the electrolyte temperature shall be between 60-100°F
(15-37°C). Operating temperature above 100°F will
reduce the battery’s service life. Operating temperature
below 60°F results in less capacity and special charging
is required.
• WATER ADDITIONS… Add water at the end of
the charging period when the battery is fully charged
and the charger has tapered to its finish rate. See
Item 9.
• EQUALIZE… Once a week for heavy
application (e.g., 80% daily discharge) to once a
month for light duty application (e.g., less than
50% daily discharge).
• DEPTH OF DISCHARGE… Do not discharge
the battery below 80% of the rated capacity.
Over discharging shortens the battery life and voids
the warranty.
• CLEANING… Keep the top of the battery clean
and dry. See Item 8.
• PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE…
WEEKLY
• Check electrolyte levels (see water additions).
• Equalize charge (heavy use application).
MONTHLY
• Record electrolyte specific gravities.
• Equalize charge (light use application).
• Inspect the cables and charging plugs.
• Clean the top of the cells.
SEMI-ANNUAL
• Inspect the charger. Confirm proper output voltage
and current. Check for external damage, frayed
cables, or worn connectors.
• Clean the exterior of the battery.
TROUBLE SIGNS
• Battery temperature rises more than 25°F (14°C)
during a normal charge.
• Open circuit cell voltages vary by 0.15 volts or more
and specific gravity varies by 0.020 or more during
equalizing.
• The top of the battery is always wet or one cell
requires excessive water.
8. MAINTENANCE CLEANING
The top of the battery should be kept clean and dry. Keep
the vent caps in place during use and charging. Remove
them only to observe electrolyte levels, make water
additions, take temperatures, or take specific gravity
readings with a hydrometer. If the battery requires cleaning,
contact your local GNB Industrial Power servicing
representative. The solution used to clean and neutralize the
outside of the batteries should be disposed of in an
environmentally safe manner.
9. WATER ADDITIONS
Maintain electrolyte levels above the plates, but no higher
than 1/8" from the bottom of the cell cover vent well. Check
the electrolyte level weekly, or as necessary depending on
battery use prior to charging. If the level is not visible (below
DO NOT INTERMITTENTLY CHARGE,
"OPPORTUNITY CHARGE", OR SHORT CYCLE
THIS BATTERY, UNLESS IT HAS BEEN DESIGNED
AND APPROVED FOR SUCH APPLICATION.