BATTERY STATE OF CHARGE
The battery must have an adequate state of charge before a valid battery
load test can be performed. The state of charge can be measured with
a hydrometer (see Appendix A page 16), or checked by the “state of
charge” scale on the voltmeter for sealed batteries.
Read the 12 volt range (12 Volt Batteries) or the 6 volt range (6 Volt
batteries) on the voltmeter, If the meter reads on the left side, in the red
zone of the “state of charge” scale, the battery must be charged. See
Appendix B page 17 for charging. Charge at a current rate as shown
in Appendix B. This rate is determined by battery category type, which
relates to reserve capacity in minutes.
After charging the battery, the surface charge must be removed before
testing can begin. Surface charge will cause a higher voltage reading,
which is incorrect. To remove the surface charge, turn the load knob to
apply 1/2 the cold crank rating load or 3 times the amp-hour rating to
the battery for 5 seconds. Wait several minutes after removing load and
check “state of charge”. If the meter reads in the charge zone, replace
battery (see example above). If the voltmeter reads in the “test” band
(see example below), the battery is ready for the “battery load test”.
APPENDIX
Above 250 minutes
BATTERY CHARGING GUIDE
(6 and 12 Volt Batteries)
BATTERY CATEGORY
CHARGE BATTERY
(RESERVE CAPACITY MINUTES)
At either rate and time shown
Recommended charging rate and time for fully discharged batteries. Par-
tially discharged batteries will require less charging time.
80 minutes or less
14 hrs. at 5 Amps
7 hrs. at 10 Amps
80 to l25 minutes
20 hrs. at 5 Amps
10 hrs. at 10 Amps
125 to 170 minutes
28 hrs. at 5 Amps
14 hrs. at 10 Amps
170 to 250 minutes
42 hrs. at 5 Amps
21 hrs. at 10 Amps
33 hrs. at 10 Amps
CAUTION
Exceeding the recommended charging rates can damage
the battery plates and generate potentially explosive
gases.
BATTERY VOLTAGE CHART
ESTIMATED
ELECTROLYTE
TEMPERATURE
MINIMUM REQUIRED VOLTAGE
UNDER 15 SEC. LOAD
6 VOLT
12 VOLT
70
°
F or above
60
°
F
50
°
F
4.8
4.75
4.7
9.6
9.5
9.4
40
°
F
30
°
F
20
°
F
4.65
4.6
4.55
9.3
9.2
9.1
10
°
F
0
°
F
4.5
4.25
8.9
8.5
B
8
17
