more charge. Do not increase or decrease the
voltage regulator setting more than 1/2 volt at a
time. Recheck the battery after each adjustment
to see if an additional change in regulator setting
is necessary.
The maximum electrolyte level, with the
battery on charge, is at the bottom of the vent well.
It should always be maintained between there
and the top of the plates. However, such things
as cold temperature or extended open circuit
stands will cause the level to drop without the
loss of electrolyte or water from the cells. Under
these conditions, do not adjust the level without
first charging the battery for 3-6 hours. Before
charging, make sure the electrolyte covers the
plates. Otherwise, electrolyte overflow may result.
When adding water, always use distilled water
or water that is known to be free of abnormally
high amounts of impurities. Contact GNB or your
local Sales Representative if you are not sure of
your water quality.
9. ADDING ACID
Acid should be added to a cell only when
electrolyte is spilled or otherwise not returned.
Always add acid of the same specific gravity as
that in the cell and only in the same amount as
was lost from the cell. To increase the electrolyte
level in the cell, use water at all times.
10. SPECIFIC GRAVITY
Read the specific gravity of the electrolyte
BEFORE adding water, otherwise the reading
will be low. Return all of the electrolyte to the cell
from which it was taken.
a) Effect of Temperature on Specific Gravity:
Variations in temperature affect the specific
gravity of the electrolyte and temperature
corrections should be made. One point
(.001) should be added to the hydrometer
reading for each 3° above 77°F and one
point should be subtracted for each 3° below
77°F. Make a record of the reading.
b) Effect of Electrolyte Level on Specific
Gravity:
Variations in solution height affect the
specific gravity of the electrolyte. Normally
water is consumed in the operation of a
battery and electrolyte levels will decrease,
causing a slight increase in specific gravity.
For every 1/8" decrease in electrolyte
level of these batteries, there will be an
approximate increase of .003 in specific
gravity. The specific gravity should be 1.250
when the battery is fully charged and the
electrolyte level is at the maximum.
11. CLEANING
Keep the vent caps in place during use and
charging. Remove them only to observe levels,
make water additions, take temperatures, or take
specific gravity readings with a hydrometer. The
battery can be washed off with water if dusty.
Keep the vent caps in place. If electrolyte has
accumulated on the top of the battery, wash
with an approved neutralizing solution, available
through GNB service. Follow the wash with a rinse
using clear water. Dispose of all waste materials
in an environmentally safe manner.
12. STORAGE OF SPARE BATTERIES
a) General Care:
Spare charged (wet) batteries should be
given regular good housekeeping care.
A clean, cool, dry place, free from dust
and debris, should be selected for storage
space.
b) Testing:
Spare charged (wet) batteries should be
checked quarterly to determine the specific
gravity. Batteries should be charged when
the specific gravity drops thirty (.030) points
below the specified fully charged reading.
Temperature affects the need for charges.
Usually a charge is required every three
(3) months.
c) Charging:
When charging is required, use the Finish
rate. (See name plate for Finish rate.)
Continue charging until gassing occurs.
Charging should not be discontinued until
the temperature-corrected specific gravity
of the lowest cell has risen to the maximum
and has shown no further rise for two (2)
consecutive hourly readings.