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www.enersys.com Publication No. US-FL-IOM-002 January 2007
13.0 TEST PROCEDURES
13.1 Procedure for Battery Capacity Tests
At least 3 days but not more than 7 days before a battery capacity test, give the battery an
equalizing charge as described in Section 9.4.
1.
Make sure all battery connections are clean, tight and free of corrosion.
2.
While the battery is on float, read and record the specific gravity and voltage of each cell,
the temperature of at least every tenth cell, and battery terminal float voltage.
3.
Disconnect the battery charger and any other load on the battery to be tested.
4.
To perform a rate adjusted discharge test, select the discharge rate based upon the critical
load and time period. The test discharge current is equal to the rated discharge current
divided by the K Factor (see Table 13.1) for the initial battery electrolyte temperature (See
IEEE-450-2002 for reference).
5.
With the variable load bank having an ammeter in series and a voltmeter across the battery
terminals, connect the load, simultaneously starting the timing device. Maintain the correct
current while periodically reading and recording total battery voltage. When the minimum
total voltage has been reached, it is desirable to read and record each cell voltage including
an intercell connector.
6.
Observe the battery for intercell connector heating.
7.
Calculate the capacity using the following formula:
% Capacity at 77
o
F (25
o
C) = Ta x 100
Ts
Where Ta = test discharge time to specified voltage.
Where Ts = rated discharge time to specified voltage.
8.
Recharge the battery, preferably using an equalizing charge (Section 9.4) to minimize the
recharge time.
Summary of Contents for PowerSafe Data Safe
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