Exide Technologies Section 92.80 - Manual (Page 21)

SECTION 15: RECORDKEEPING
15.0 Pilot Cell
A pilot cell is selected in the series string to reflect the general
condition of cells in the battery. The cell selected should be the
lowest cell voltage in the series string following the initial charge.
See Section 12.0 - Initial Charge. Reading and recording pilot
cell voltage monthly serves as an indicator of battery condition
between scheduled overall individual cell readings.
15.1 Voltmeter Calibration
Panel and portable voltmeters used to indicate battery float voltages
should be accurate at the operating voltage value. The same holds
true for portable meters used to read individual cell voltages. These
meters should be checked against a standard every six months and
calibrated when necessary.
15.2 Records
The following information must be recorded at installation, and
annually for every year of operation after installation. These
records must be maintained throughout the life of the battery and
made available for review by GNB representatives for capacity or
life related warranty claims. Failure to collect and store these
maintenance data will void the warranty. Please review the war-
ranty statement specific to the application for any additional
requirements.
• Individual cell voltages
• Overall string voltage
• Ambient temperature immediately surrounding battery
• Battery temperature at several places throughout the string.
Recommend 1 reading per battery stack. More data points are
recommended for larger batteries and to check for tempera-
ture gradients. Readings on the tray, cell cover or negative ter-
minal are good places to measure battery temperature. Take
readings away from HVAC sources.
• Float current measured at stack to stack connections (option-
al)
• Ohmic measurements (optional). Baseline ohmic readings of
individual cells should be taken 6 months from the date of ini-
tial charge.
• Retorque connectors as part of annual maintenance.
ONCE PER YEAR READINGS ARE THE ABSOLUTE MINI-
MUM REQUIRED TO PROTECT WARRANTY. More frequent
readings are recommended, especially for critical sites. Good
record-keeping will prevent minor issues from escalating into
more serious problems over time. See Figure 22 for a sample
record-keeping form.
SECTION 16: TAP CONNECTIONS
16.0 Tap Connections
Tap connections are not to be used on a battery. This can cause
overcharging of the unused cells and undercharging of those
cells supplying the load, thus reducing battery life.
SECTION 17: TEMPORARY NON-USE
17.0 Temporary Non-Use
An installed battery that is expected to stand idle longer than the
maximum storage interval (see Section 4.2), should be treated
as stated below. The maximum storage interval is 6 months if
stored at 25°C, 77°F.
Give the battery an equalizing charge as per Section 14. Following
the equalizing charge, open connections at the battery terminals to
remove charger and load from the battery.
Repeat the above after every 6 months (25°C, 77°F) or at the
required storage interval. See Section 4.2 for adjustments to
storage intervals when the storage temperature exceeds 25°C,
77°F.
To return the battery to normal service, re-connect the battery to
the charger and the load, give an equalizing charge and return
the battery to float operation.
SECTION 18: UNIT CLEANING
18.0 Unit Cleaning
Periodically clean cell covers with a dry 2” paintbrush to remove
accumulated dust. If any cell parts appear to be damp with elec-
trolyte or show signs of corrosion, contact your local GNB repre-
sentative.
SECTION 19: CONNECTIONS MAINTENANCE
19.0 Connections
Battery terminals and intercell connections should be corrosion
free and tight for trouble-free operation. Periodically these con-
nections should be inspected.
CAUTION: DO NOT WORK ON CONNECTIONS
WITH BATTERY CONNECTED TO CHARGER OR
LOAD.
If corrosion is present, disconnect the connector from the terminal.
Gently clean the affected area using a suede brush or Scotch
Brite scouring pad. Apply a thin coating of NO-OX-ID “A” grease
to the cleaned contact surfaces, reinstall connectors and
retorque connections to 11.3 Newton-meters (100 inch pounds).
CAUTION!
Do not clean plastic parts with solvents, detergents, oils,
mineral spirit or spray type cleaners as these may cause
crazing or cracking of the plastic materials.
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