Lucent Technologies Victory Class Batteries WP-93936
Issue 1 May 2000
Operation 7 - 1
7
Operation
Float Service
In ideal float service a battery is always maintained in a fully charged
condition. However, in the event of a power failure or system test in
which the power supply is shut down, the battery must support the load,
resulting in a battery discharge. Typically, a standby battery will not be
subjected to more than one test discharge each year and a transfer test
monthly.
Additional deep and/or frequent discharges can shorten service life,
even with proper maintenance and operation. This section will consider
batteries that are used in full float service. They will not be exposed to
service in which the charger is not capable of supporting peak loads. In
such cases the battery would be exposed to numerous partial
discharges. In float service the charger voltage is regulated and filtered
and the battery is operated in a controlled environment.
For optimal service, adjust the power supply to the recommended float
voltages shown in Table 6-C. If you anticipate more frequent
discharges, use a higher float voltage setting.
Based upon these operating criteria maximum service life should be
expected with minimal maintenance.
An equalizing charge may be required at a voltage higher than the
nominal float voltage to restore proper voltage to a battery that has:
• been subjected to frequent discharges
• been charged at less than minimum float voltage due to an incorrect
adjustment of the power supply or miscalibration of the panel
voltmeter
An equalizing charge should be given when the lowest cell voltage
reaches the minimum allowable cell voltage shown in Table 7-A.
