MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
WEEKLY
Check the brush condition.
Check if the suction filters are clean.
MONTHLY
Check the brush wear state. It should not exceed half of its height and should freely slide within the
brush-holder.
Check that the air-intakes are not obstructed and that the fan is working properly.
EVERY SIX MONTHS
Check the carbons condition on each motor.
Check that no wrong contact is present within the electric connections so as to avoid any local
overheating.
BATTERIES
CHECKING THE CHARGE STATE OF THE BATTERIES
As it is known that there is a direct relation between the specific gravity of the electrolyte and the charge
state of the battery, the measure of the specific gravity of the electrolyte is assumed to be an efficient
and correct control of the battery charge state. When the battery is charged and is under normal
conditions, with the electrolyte located at the proper level, the electrolyte density will be about 1.260
(30°Bè) referred at 30°C. If density is between 1.26 (30° Bè) and 1.20 (24° Bè), the battery is partially
discharged, but if density is lower than 1.14 (18° Bè), the battery is completely discharged.
DENSITY MEASUREMENT
The density measurement of the electrolyte is the most important check on a battery. This measure
should be performed with extreme caution by means of a densimeter. The syringe densimeter should
be introduced, thus extracting an amount of electrolyte enough to bring the float on the surface. The
float top should neither get in touch with the rubber pear nor be stuck with capillarity to the glass walls.
Should a density measure be performed after having added some distilled water, wait until the density
has become homogeneous in all liquid contained in the element.
WATER TOPPING UP
Add some distilled water in each battery cell, after charging the batteries, to bring the liquid to a level
of 6 mm over the plates. The operation will initially take place after each charge, then the subsequent
toppings up can be executed less frequently, according to the experience of the person responsible of
it, but never let more than one week between one topping up and the next.
CHARGE LIMITS
Battery should not be recharged if density, at the end of a working day, has not gone under 1.24 (28°
Bè). The most common abuse detected in the use of traction batteries is the overcharge. The overcharge,
if continuously applied, can considerably shorten the battery life. The max. recommended temperature
is 45°C. If the electrolyte temperature increases by 10/12°C beyond the environment temperature, the
overcharge can take place independently of the effective temperature reached.
ROOMS FOR BATTERY CHARGE
Gases generated during charge operation can be highly explosive; during charge operation, battery
should be freely ventilated and the contacts to the terminals should be safe to avoid any possible sparks.
The rooms in which the accumulator batteries are charged should be well-ventilated and the temperature
should not be higher than 40/45°C. If windows do not provide a sufficient ventilation, install special
discharge pipes that should not lead to the flues. When necessary, air exchange should be made in the
fastest way by means of fans.
BATTERIES INACTIVE OR NOT IN CONTINUOUS OPERATION
During inactive periods, batteries are subject to a spontaneous discharge (auto-discharge). The auto-di-
scharge substracts every day from the battery a part of its charge and causes a sulphation of the plates,
which increases in the long run, thus compromising the battery efficiency. If the battery is not conti-
nuosly used, perform a refresh charge at least once a month. This procedure must be executed even if
the measurements of the specific gravity supply high values.
If battery remains inactive for long periods of time, it should be stored in a dry and fresh place. Once
a month, it should be charged with the current intensity indicated as “final”, until all elements denote
a lively gas development and until all readings regarding the voltage and the specific gravity as well
remain constant for 3-4 hours.
MAINTENANCE
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