©2019 JBT LEKTRO, INC. All rights reserved.
October 2019
5-17
CHAPTER 5: BASIC OPERATIONS
5.7.1
MEASURING THE BATTERY CHARGE
If the tractor is equipped with a Battery Indicator Gauge, this can give a good indication of the
amount of charge remaining in the battery. This gauge should never be used when the tractor is
connected to a charger, because it will read a full charge.
Measuring the specific gravity of the battery electrolyte is accurate under all conditions.
• A fully-discharged battery has a specific gravity of 1.110 or less.
• If equipped, the minimum GPU Battery charge required to safely start an aircraft has a
specific gravity of 1.155.
• A fully-charged battery has a specific gravity of approximately 1.265.
Note
These values assume an electrolyte temperature of 80° F (26.7° C), which is the
standard hydrometer reference temperature.
5.7.2
BATTERY CHARGING WARNINGS
DANGER
FAILURE TO FOLLOW EACH OF THE WARNINGS LISTED IN THIS SECTION MAY
RESULT IN ELECTROCUTION, THERMAL OR CHEMICAL BURNS, AND/OR
OTHER INURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.
•
Water conducts electricity:
Always charge batteries in a designated indoor or protected
outdoor area away from rain, snow, and condensing moisture. Never handle electrical
cables while standing in water.
• Chargers that are not matched to the battery can cause a fire or explosion, and may
damage the battery:
Always use battery chargers supplied by or approved by JBT
LEKTRO, Inc. or the battery manufacturer.
• Batteries release hydrogen and oxygen gases while charging:
Always keep the battery
compartment cover open during charging, and ensure that these gases are free to vent
directly to the atmosphere.
• Battery acid can cause severe chemical burns:
Always wear appropriate Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) when servicing batteries. See the Battery section of the
Service
Manual
for detailed information.
•
Hydrogen is extremely flammable:
Never smoke or use any open flame or electrical tool,
motor, or other spark-producing equipment in the vicinity of a charging battery. Post
appropriate standard warning signs in the battery charging area.
AUTHORED BY ANTHONY HERNANDEZ - (415)786-2081 - [email protected]
