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4-13
SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST
<CAUTION>
MAKE SURE YOU WEAR GLOVES AND EYE PROTECTION WHILE PERFORMING THESE TESTS.
1. Do not add water at this time.
2. Fill and drain the hydrometer with electrolyte from battery cell 2 to 4 times before pulling out a sample.
(See the Hydrometer battery tester on page 5-148)
3. There should be enough sample electrolyte in the hydrometer to completely support the
fl
oat.
Tap the unit to remove bubbles and hold it vertically to get accurate readings.
4. Take a reading, record it, and return the electrolyte back to the cell.
5. To check another cell, repeat the 3 steps above.
6. Check all cells in the battery.
7. Replace the vent caps and wipe o
ff
any electrolyte that might have been spilled.
II.
OPEN-CIRCUIT VOLTAGE TEST
For accurate voltage readings, batteries must remain idle (no charging, no discharging) for at least 6 hrs, preferably 24 hrs.
1. Disconnect all loads from the batteries.
2. Measure the voltage using a DC voltmeter.
3. Check the state of charge with table bellow.
LIMIT DISCHARGING THE BATTERIES BEYOND 1.75 VOLTS PER
CELL – OR 1.125 SPECIFIC GRAVITY PER CELL. 1.75 VOLTS PER CELL
CORRESPONDS TO END-POINT VOLTAGES OF 5.25 VOLTS FOR 6 VOLT
BATTERIES
State of Open Circuit Voltage
6 Volt Battery Charge Level
Four Battery Pack
6.30 or Greater
100%
25.2
6.16 - 6.30
75% - 100%
24.64 – 25.20
6.00 - 6.16
50% - 75%
24.00 – 24.64
5.90- 6.00
25% - 50%
23.60 – 24.00
5.80 - 5.90
0 - 25%
23.20 – 23.60
5.80 or Less
0%
23.20
Readings obtained at 80 Degrees F
Maintenance:
WHEN SHOULD I WATER MY BATTERIES?
Water is lost during charging. Therefore, the best time to water your batteries is always at the end of the charge cycle.
However, if the electrolyte level is extremely low, or the plates are exposed to air, add some water to cover the plates
before starting the charge cycle.
