Important recommendations
■
Never allow an exposed flame or
spark near the batteries,
particularly while charging.
■
Never smoke while performing any
operation on the battery.
■
For protection, wear rubber gloves,
long sleeves, and appropriate
splash goggles or face shield.
■
The electrolyte is harmful to skin
and eyes. In the event of contact
with skin or eyes, wash immediately
with plenty of water. If eyes are
affected, flush with water, and
obtain immediate medical attention.
■
Remove all rings, watches and
other items with metal parts before
working on the battery.
■
Use insulated tools.
■
Avoid static electricity and take
measures for protection against
electric shocks.
■
Discharge any possible static
electricity from clothing
and/or tools by touching an
earth-connected part "ground"
before working on the battery.
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.
The battery is normally shipped filled.
Remove the plastic transport seals
immediately prior to installation on the
car or any charge/discharge.
A charged battery can be installed
immediately. Refer to
Section 4
for
applicable
Commissioning
. Always refer
to
Section 2 for Storage
conditions.
2. Storage
Store the battery indoors in a dry,
clean and cool location (0°C/+ 32°F to
+ 30°C/+ 86°F).
■
Make sure that the transport seals
remain in place during storage.
■
Do not store in direct sunlight or
exposed to excessive heat.
■
A battery delivered discharged and
filled may be stored for many years
before it is installed.
■
A battery delivered charged (80 %)
must not be stored more than
3 months (including transport) or at
a temperature >+ 30°C (>+ 86°F).
SRM F3 Ni-Cd batteries
Transparent flame retardant plastic containers
Installation and operating instructions
The battery is ready for immediate
use within this 3-month period. Refer
to
Section 4
if stored beyond
3 months or at a temperature
>+ 30°C (>+ 86°F).
■
A battery delivered fully charged
must not be stored more than
6 weeks (including transport) or at
a temperature >+ 30°C (>+ 86°F).
3. Installation
Remove the transport seals and close
the vent plug.
3.1.
Verify that cells are correctly
interconnected and that battery
connection to the load is also correct.
3.2.
Check tightness of terminal
connecting nuts. Torque applied must be:
• Top terminal nut (15/16") 37 ± 3 ft.
lb. (50 ± 3 N.m) – (5/8" post)
• Cap screw (1/2") 15 ± 2 ft. lb.
(20 ± 2 N.m) – (5/16" stud)
The connectors, terminal nuts, and cap
screws (if supplied) must be corrosion-
protected by coating with a thin layer of
neutral vaseline or anti-corrosion coating
(contact Saft for more information).
3.3. Electrolyte
The electrolyte to be used is E13.
■
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 (0.2 in)
above the plate tops with distilled or
deionized water.
4. Commissioning
Refer to Table A for 0.2 C
5
A charge
or discharge currents.
4.1. Discharged cells placed into
service immediately after delivery or
after less than one year of storage:
■
Constant current charge:
• 8 h at 0.2 C
5
A
Caution:
during charging, the battery
box must be open.
■
Constant potential charge:
• 1.55 V/cell for 20 h, with the
current limited to 0.2 C
5
A
Charge at constant current is
recommended. The battery is ready
for use.
4.2. Discharged cells stored more
than 1 year:
a) charge 10 h at 0.2 C
5
A
b) discharge at 0.2 C
5
A down to
1.0 V/cell
c) charge 8 h at 0.2 C
5
A
The battery is ready for use.
4.3. Charged cells (80%) shipped
and/or stored at temperatures
>+ 30°C (>+ 86°F), and/or
≥
3 months
from date of charge:
a) charge 10 h at 0.2 C
5
A
b) discharge at 0.2 C
5
A down to
1.0 V/cell
c) charge 8 h at 0.2 C
5
A
The battery is ready for use.
5. Charging in service
5.1. Cycling application
The battery is cycled up to 20% DOD
(Depth Of Discharge) per day.
■
Single level charge:
1.45 - 1.55 V/cell at + 20°C/+ 68°F
1.47 V/cell is recommended.
■
Two level charge:
• High level: 1.45 - 1.60 V/cell
at + 20°C/+ 68°F
• Float level: 1.38 - 1.40 V/cell
at + 20°C/+ 68°F
5.2. Stand-by application
Battery is on float and discharged only
in emergency situation.
■
Single level charge:
1.41 - 1.43 V/cell at + 20°C/+ 68°F
■
Two level charge:
• High level: 1.43 - 1.50 V/cell
at + 20°C/+ 68°F
• Float level: 1.38 - 1.40 V/cell
at + 20°C/+ 68°F
For use at temperature range outside
+ 10°C (+ 50°F) to + 30°C (+ 86°F),
the charge voltage correction factor
(temperature compensation) is:
• – 2 mV/°C/cell (– 1.1 mV/°F/cell)
if charged voltage <1.45 V/cell at
+ 20°C (+ 68°F)
• – 3 mV/°C/cell (– 1.7 mV/°F/cell)
if charged voltage between 1.45
and 1.55 V/cell at + 20°C (+ 68°F)
For higher charging voltages,
consult Saft.
To minimise the water usage,
Saft recommends the use of low
charging voltages.
December 2011
