Quickie Rhythm, Technical & Service Manual, Page: 15 / 182

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©2006 Sunrise Medical
POWER BASE SECTION
Rhythm & Groove Power Bases
Batteries
Safety
If mishandled batteries can be dangerous and hazardous.
All mobility batteries, whether wet type or gel/sealed type, contain lead •
and sulfuric acid. Both of these materials are toxic and in the case of
sulfuric acid, highly corrosive. Additionally, when batteries are charged,
they produce hydrogen gas which is “highly”
fl ammable and can cause
explosion. This is why proper handing is mandatory at all times.
Battery explosion - This is frequently the result of too low an acid/electrolyte
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level in the battery, which allows high concentrations of hydrogen to build
up. This is possible with all batteries if improper charging or battery failure
occurs, but not common in gel/sealed batteries.
< KEEP SPARKS AND FLAMES AWAY FROM BATTERIES >
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Burns - dropping a wrench or screwdriver across battery terminals results •
in sparks, and intense heat. Improper assembly of battery boxes or battery
box wiring may short the battery through the wiring and produce a possible
electrical
fi re.
Electronic damage - batteries that are improperly wired can short out •
electronic chair components resulting in expensive repairs.
Pollution - improper disposal of batteries could damage the environment.
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All batteries should be disposed of through a reliable battery recycler.
Battery Charge Cycle Illustration
Typical Flooded Battery
As battery discharges, the sulfate from the electrolyte forms on the plates.
As battery recharges, the sulfate is driven back into the electrolyte
POS = PbO2
NEG = Pb
ACID = H2SO2
POS = PbSO4
NEG = PbSO4
ACID = H2O
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Discharge
Recharge
H2O
H2SO2