4
Although the charger is suitable for the
charging requirements of most batteries,
please always ensure you follow up the
battery manufacturer’s guidelines when
charging their batteries.
TESTING BATTERIES
As a guide, your battery should have
reached either 60% or 90% capacity at the
time the ammeter on the charger drops
below 1 amp; the capacity is dependent
on the charge mode, Automatic or Boost,
respectively.
To further determine the battery’s state of
charge the following information may be
useful.
Testing Sealed and
Non Sealed Batteries
Batteries can be tested with the aid of an
Arlec Battery Tester BT964 or by use of a
volt meter (Arlec Digital meter or similar).
A good indication of the battery’s state of
charge will only be possible if the battery
has not been charged or discharged for
at least 15 minutes.
Testing battery capacity with the aid of
a volt meter
Battery Capacity
Battery Voltage
20% - 40%
12.00V to 12.25V
40% - 60%
12.25 to 12.50V
60% - 80%
12.50V to 12.75V
80% - 100%
12.75V as above
The BT964 is an inexpensive electronic
device which is simply connected to your
battery, when required. It is designed to:
a. test the battery’s state of charge
b. show that the car’s charging circuit
is operating
c. indicate that your battery maintains
sufficient voltage during engine
cranking
Batteries with filler caps, can be tested
with a hydrometer which will provide a
high degree of accuracy when measuring
the state of charge as the battery’s cells
can be tested individually. Alternately the
battery can be tested by most battery
retailers or an automotive electrician.
The products listed in this guide can be
purchased/ordered from most automotive
outlets.
SAFETY INFORMATION
Warning
Working in the vicinity of a lead acid
battery is dangerous due to the emission
of explosive gases. These explosive gases
can be ignited by a spark, cigarette or
naked flame such as a cigarette lighter
or matches.
• Keep sparks and naked flames away
from battery at all times.
• Never smoke or light a cigarette near
a battery.
• Take extreme care with metal objects
and tools including items of jewellery
such as rings and watch bands. Metal
objects touching the battery terminals
may cause sparks or serious heat
burns to the user or wearer.
• Do not allow tools to drop on the
battery and never temporarily place
tools on top of a battery.
• When testing or working on or around
a lead acid battery it is advisable to
wear protective eye glasses.
• When testing or charging a lead acid
battery, ensure that the area you are
