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4.0 TEMPERATURE

 

 

Higher temperatures reduce the operational life of any battery. Lower temperatures will reduce the available capacity.  Compared to 
lead-acid batteries nickel-cadmium batteries are not as greatly affected by high and low temperatures but they are still affected. 
The typical operating temperature range is -4°F to 113°F. The recommended operating temperature range is 68°F to 77°F.  This will 
maximize life and minimize maintenance.  All technical data relates to a rated temperature of 77°F. 
 
 

5.0 ELECTROLYTE 

 

Nickel cadmium batteries electrolyte is a solution of potassium hydroxide (KOH) with a small amount of lithium hydroxide.  This alkaline 
electrolyte acts as an ionic conductor and consequently the specific gravity does not change significantly with the state of charge of the 
cell. The specific gravity will increase slightly when the electrolyte level is low due to water loss. 
The nominal S.G. of the electrolyte at 77°F is 1.19-1.22. The maximum deviation is +/-.01g/cm3. Electrolyte specific gravity should not 
be measured immediately after water has been added. 
Filling bottles, hydrometers etc., used with lead acid batteries must never be used with alkaline batteries in order to prevent acid 
contamination.  NEVER USE SULPHRIC ACID in an alkaline battery. 

 
 

6.0   SPECIAL APPLICATIONS 

 

Whenever the batteries are to be used for special applications (non floating type applications) such as repeated cycling or under 
extreme ambient conditions, please contact your sales office.  Different instructions may apply.  In addition, the battery may have a 
shorter operational life. 

 
 

7.0 MAINTENANCE 

AND 

TESTING

 

 

Water Topping: 

Use ONLY de-mineralized or distilled water (purity grade: maximum conductivity 10 µS/cm) to top off cells.

 

Under ideal operating conditions, flooded Ni-Cad batteries should require watering every 6-24 months.  Watering intervals are 
influenced by temperature, charging rates and the number and depth of discharges. 

VRPP batteries require watering every 7-15 years depending on the same factors as listed above. 

Top up the electrolyte level to the < Max > line. Topping over < Max > line when combined with an equalize charge can lead to boil 
over. 

Never let the electrolyte level fall below the <Min> line or the top of the plates. 

Do not add water during equalize charge since accurate level readings are not possible when the battery is gassing. 

Avoid splashing water when topping up. A wet battery can result in earth faults and /or erratic operation. 

Always keep the flame-arresting vents closed except for when topping up electrolyte levels. 

On float charge, the homogenization will eventually occur and an equalize charge is not necessary. If preferred after topping off the 
water level, an equalize charge up to 72 hours can be applied to help reduce the time for homogenization of the electrolyte density. 

 

Cleaning 

Keep containers and lids dry and free from dust. Clean with a damp cotton cloth without man-made fibers or addition of cleaning 
agents. Do not use feather dusters or dry cloths. This could cause static discharge which can lead to an explosion hazard 

If potassium carbonate crystals (grey white deposits) form on top of the battery, clean them off with a soft brush and wipe with a damp 
cloth followed by a clean dry cloth. 

Do not use a wire brush or solvents of any kind, such as gasoline, thinner, acetone, kerosene etc. 

 

Intercell Connectors 

Check connections for proper torque at least once a year. This is especially important if the battery is subjected to vibration. 

The connectors and terminal screws should be coated with a thin layer of anti-corrosion grease or petroleum jelly. 

 

Summary of Contents for KBH Series

Page 1: ...parks due to shorting across cell terminals may result in an explosion of hydrogen gas in or near the cells Insulate tool handles to protect against shorting Prior to making contact with the cell disc...

Page 2: ...pc 1 45 Vpc 1 52 1 57 Vpc Charging Option B Note Boost system for 72hrs when any cells voltage falls below 1 36 volts Use Option A Boost charging voltage data Float Voltage Range 1 46 1 49 Vpc Not Rec...

Page 3: ...RRANTY NOTES Any of the following actions will invalidate the warranty Non adherence to the Installation Operating and Maintenance Instructions Repairs carried out with non approved parts or by non ap...

Page 4: ...s can be float charged during storage A filled and charged battery can be stored for a maximum period of one year If in storage for more than 6 months the battery must be discharged to an average cell...

Page 5: ...ause damage to the battery The layout and contents of a battery room must allow easy access to the batteries and must comply with all national and local codes Handling SBS Ni Cd batteries are normally...

Page 6: ...ype of lubricant such as Grease or Oil as they may contain mineral spirits which can cause crazing and cracking of the plastic jar material Make sure to arrange batteries plumb and level with the corr...

Page 7: ...72hours at a voltage of Flooded Pocket Plate Ni Cd batteries 1 54 1 69 Vpc Valve Regulated Pocket Plate Ni Cd batteries 1 45 Vpc Flooded Fibre Plate Ni Cd batteries 1 52 1 57 Vpc If after 72 hours an...

Page 8: ...ystem to correct voltage spread the charger should be set to the highest possible voltage without exceeding the voltage sensitivity of your connected load Disconnecting the load and using the highest...

Page 9: ...ty 10 S cm to top off cells Under ideal operating conditions flooded Ni Cad batteries should require watering every 6 24 months Watering intervals are influenced by temperature charging rates and the...

Page 10: ...oes not recommend an acceptance or performance test until the system has been in float service for a minimum of 12 weeks Results of a test carried out before the system has been on float for 12 weeks...

Page 11: ...result of cell reversal so no provisions are required for bypassing weak cells Reversing the polarity of NiCad cells should not be a basis for terminating a discharge test before the over all terminal...

Page 12: ...YSTEM CHECKS record in a log book the following Record the battery system float charging voltage It should be equal to the number of cells multiplied by the recommended charging voltage per cell Recor...

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