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Single cell range

Nickel-Cadmium batteries
Type

SNH, SNM, SNL

Installation and operating

instructions

Important recommendations

Never allow a flame or fire to come near the battery. The electrolyte is harmful to
skin and to eyes in particular. In the event of contact with skin or eyes, wash
immediately with running water. If eyes are affected, flood with water and obtain
immediate medical attention. Wear goggles and gloves when handling electrolyte
and cells. Never use sulphuric acid or acidified water (pH lower than 5) to top-up
electrolyte as acid can destroy the battery. Use tools with insulated handles.

1. Receiving the shipment

Unpack the battery immediately upon
arrival. Do not overturn the package.
Transport seals are located under the
cover of the vent plug.

If the battery is shipped filled,

remove immediately the plastic
transport seals if used. The battery is
then ready for installation.

If the battery is shipped discharged

and empty,

do not remove the plastic

transport seals until ready to fill the
battery.

The battery must never be charged
with the plastic transport seal in place
as this can cause permanent damage.

2. Storage

Store the battery indoors in a dry and
clean location.

A fully discharged,

drained battery

with its plastic transport seal can be
stored for many years.

A filled battery

can be stored for a

maximum of 1 year.
It shall initially be fully charged.

3. Installation

3.1. Location

Install the battery in a dry and clean
room. Avoid direct sunlight, strong
daylight and heat.
The battery will give the best
perfomance and maximum service 
life when the ambiant temperature is
between 10°C to 35°C.

3.2. Ventilation

During the last part of high-rate
charging, the battery is emitting 
gases (oxygen-hydrogen mixture). 
At normal float-charge the gas
evolution is very small but some
ventilation is necessary. 
Note that special regulations for
ventilation may be valid in your 
area depending on the application.

3.3. Mounting

Verify that cells are correctly
interconnected with the appropriate
polarity. The battery connection to load
should be with nickel plated cable lugs.
Recommended torques for connecting
screws are:
• M   6 = 11 ± 1.1 N.m
• M   8 = 20 ± 2

N.m

• M 10 = 30 ± 3

N.m

The connectors and terminal screws
should be corrosion-protected by
coating with a thin layer of neutral
vaseline or anti-corrosion oil.

Remove the transport seals and close
the vent plug.
3.4. Electrolyte / cell oil

The electrolyte to be used is: E22.

Cells delivered filled:

Check the level of electrolyte. The cells
must have a level of electrolyte above
the plates. If it is not the case, adjust
the level of electrolyte to 5 mm above
the plate tops with distilled water.
Cells delivered filled have already 
the cell oil in place.

Cells delivered empty:

Fill empty cells to 5 mm above the
plate tops with electrolyte.
Then add the oil with the syringe,
according to the quantity indicated in
the table.

4. Commissioning charge

A good commissioning charge is
important. Charge at constant current is
preferable.

4.1. Cells stored less than 1 year filled:

Charge 15 h at 0.2 C

A (see value of

0.2 C

A in the table). If necessary wait

at least 4 hours after end of charge and
adjust the level to the high level mark by
adding distilled or dionized water.

4.2. Cells which have been filled from
discharged and empty:

Charge 15 h at 0.2 C

A. Discharge to

1.0 V/cell ; charge 10 h at 0.2 C

A

(see value of 0.2 C

A in the table). If

necessary wait at least 4 hours after
end of charge and adjust the level to
the high level mark by adding
electrolyte.
When it is not possible to charge at
constant current, the charge may be
done with constant voltage: 
20 to 30 h at 1.65 V/cell, if the
current limit is approximately the same
as in the table. If it is lower, charge
for longer time. 
When the charger maximum voltage
setting is too low to supply constant
current charging, divide the battery into
two parts to be charged individually.
The battery can now be put in service.

It is not recommended to store cells for
more than 1 year. However, should
this be unavoidable, please follow
instructions 4.2 adding distilled or
dionized water instead of electrolyte.

Edition June 1999

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