Contax SW 2524, Owner'S Manual, Page: 283 / 322

Battery Maintenance
976-0043-01-01 C–15
Equalization Charging
Purpose An equalize-charge helps to remove sulfate buildup on the battery plates
and balances the charge of individual cells.
Effect Equalize-charging also produces gassing which stirs up the electrolyte
mixture and helps distribute the acid more evenly.
Non-equalized
batteries Batteries that are not equalize-charged can be damaged by sulfate
accumulation, thus sealing off a percentage of the plates and reducing
battery capacity. They may also have sulfuric acid accumulate at the
bottom of the battery, potentially damaging the plates. At the same time,
the electrolyte at the top of the battery gets watery. This effect is called
stratification.
Frequency Every month or two the batteries should be equalize-charged.
General Maintenance
Water Levels Flooded lead-acid batteries require periodic water refills in each battery
cell. Only distilled water should be used in a battery, as tap or mineral
water may contain contaminants which will upset the battery chemistry
and may damage the battery.
When filling the battery, clean the surface first to prevent dirt from
entering the cell. Fill the cell to just above the plates or to the bottom of
the internal collar inside the battery. Never fill the cells to the top or acid
will leak out during charging.
Note: If the battery temperature is allowed to fall to extremely cold
temperatures, the inverter with a BTS may not be able to properly
recharge cold batteries due to maximum voltage limits of the inverter.
Ensure the batteries are protected from extreme temperatures.
CAUTION: Damage to DC Loads
The high voltages reached during an equalize-charge may
damage connected DC loads.
CAUTION: Damage to Batteries
Equalization should be done for standard electrolyte vented
batteries only. Sealed or GEL cell batteries should not be
equalize charged. Consult your battery supplier for details on
equalize-charging for the battery type in your system.