Basement Watchdog Big Dog - Manual (Page 9)

Page 8
Battery Instructions
A new Basement Watchdog 7.5 Hour Standby
Battery will run this system for a minimum of 7.5
hours continuously. However, most of the time
the pump will turn on and off, and this battery
will run the pump intermittently for days. To
increase the running time of this system to 15
hours of continuous pumping, two batteries can
be connected together. Ideally the batteries
should be of similar age and capacity. Connecting
an old and new battery together will not charge
properly. Specific connection instructions will be
explained below. In addition, the unique
materials in the Basement Watchdog 7.5 Hour
Standby batteries enable them to last for five to
seven years in standby service.
• 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.
• NEVER use a maintenance-free battery
with this system
• The battery fluid sensor is designed to fit
the Basement Watchdog Standby batteries.
Measuring the battery fluid is one of the
most important features of the system,
since about 80% of backup sump pump
failures are the result of a battery that has
dried out.
• The internal construction of some wet cell
batteries may not be compatible with this
system. Glentronics can not guarantee the
compatibility of other brands of batteries.
The use of a Basement Watchdog battery is
HIGHLY recommended.
DO NOT insert the fluid sensor into any
battery except a Basement Watchdog battery.
DO NOT drill a hole in another brand of
battery to accommodate the fluid sensor.
DO NOT use the enclosed battery cap on any
battery except a Basement Watchdog battery.
DO NOT drill a hole in the cap of another
brand of battery to accommodate the fluid
sensor. Batteries emit explosive gases,
which can cause serious injury or death.
PREPARING THE BASEMENT WATCHDOG
STANDBY BATTERY
The Basement Watchdog Standby batteries are
shipped dry (without acid) so they never lose
power before you take them 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.
NOTE: Basement Watchdog batteries now come in
two configurations. The tops of the batteries look
different, and the directions for filling the
batteries and connecting the fluid sensor will vary
slightly. If the top of your battery looks like
photo A, follow the instructions on this page. If
the top of your battery looks like photo B on page
9, follow the instructions on page 9.
Contains sulfuric acid. Wear eye and
clothing protection. If battery acid contacts
skin or clothing, wash immediately with
soap and water. If acid enters eyes, flush
with water for 15 minutes, and get prompt
medical attention. Review the safety
instructions on page 1.
TO FILL THE BATTERY
1. Remove the cover of the battery box by
pushing in the tabs on the front and back of
the box and lifting up.
2. Place the battery box on the floor. Place the
dry (unfilled) battery into the battery box.
Remove the foil seal on the top of the battery.
3. Carefully push in the perforated tab at the top
of the acid pack. Lift 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.
4. Position the acid pack and battery as shown at
the right. Pinch the end of the hose together
and cut off the tip. 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, and then go back and top
off each cell equally. It is important to have
all the cells filled equally or the battery will
not operate properly. The acid should reach a
level about ¼” below the cap ring as shown in
the diagram at right. DO NOT OVERFILL THE
BATTERY. (Diagram E)
1
2
3
4
CAUTION
! DANGER
! DANGER/POISON
BATTERY A
2nd LEVEL
1st LEVEL
PLATES
CELL WALL
1 1st LEVEL, COVER THE PLATES
THE BOTTOM OF THE CAP RINGS
BATTERY TERMINALS
BATTERY CAP RINGS
CROSS SECTION OF BATTERY
1. Fill to 1st level, cover
the plates
2. Then fill to 2nd level,
just below the bottom
of the cap rings
Diagram E
Do not throw an
old battery in the
trash. Take it to a
service station or
recycling center.