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. SMRX-F3
batteries are usually shipped discharged and
filled with electrolyte ready for installation.
• Make sure all items have been received by
comparing with the packing list.
•
Check for damage or electrolyte spillage.
Report any irregularities to the carrier and to
Saft.
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, cool
location (0°C/+32°F to +30°C/ +86°F).
• Do not expose the batteries to direct sunlight
or excessive heat.
•
A battery delivered discharged and filled may
be stored for many years before it is installed.
•
A battery charged (80 %) must not be stored
more than 3 months up to +30°C (86°F), or
more than 6 months up to +20°C (+68°F)
including transport. If a charged battery has
to be stored for more than the durations and
associated temperatures mentioned above,
discharge the cells at 0.2 C
5
A down to 1V
per cell or less.
•
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). If beyond 6 weeks or > +30°C (>
+86°F), contact Saft.
If storage is required prior to commercial
service, clean and coat the metallic parts with
a thin layer of neutral Vaseline or anti-corrosion
oil (contact Saft for more information). Leave
the battery in its transport case to protect
from dust, moisture, and short circuits.
3. Installation
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 (M12 terminal post; 12 mm
/ 19 mm (3/4”) Top Nut): 15 ± 2 N.m (11 ±
1.5 ft. lb)
The solid connectors and terminal nuts must
be corrosion-protected by applying a thin
layer of neutral Vaseline or anti-corrosion oil
(contact Saft for more information).
3.3. Electrolyte
The electrolyte used is E41.
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
Caution: During charging operations, the
battery box must be open.
Charge at constant current is recommended.
Refer to Table A for 0.2 C
5
A charge or
discharge currents.
4.1. For a battery delivered discharged
Caution: Even if the battery is discharged, a
residual charge may remain that may cause
an electric shock.
4.1.1. Discharged cells placed into service
immediately after delivery or after less than
one year of storage
•
Preferred solution: Constant current charge:
at 0.2 C
5
A for 8 h
•
Other solution: Constant potential charge:
1.55 V/cell for 20 h, with the current limited
to 0.2 C
5
A
Top-up (refer to Section 6) and clean battery if
required. The battery is ready for use.
4.1.2. Discharged cells stored more than 1
year
•
Charge with constant current at 0.2 C5A for
10 h.
•
Discharge at 0.2 C5A down to 1.0 V/cell or
less.
•
Charge with constant current at 0.2 C5A for
8 h.
Top-up (refer to Section 6) and clean battery if
required. The battery is ready for use.
4.2. For a battery delivered 80% charged
4.2.1. Charged battery (80%) shipped and
stored at temperatures < +30°C (+86°F), less
than 3 months from date of charge
The battery is ready for use.
4.2.2. Charged battery (80%) shipped and
stored at temperatures < +30°C (+86°F), less
than 3 months from date of charge
•
Charge with constant current at 0.2 C
5
A for
10 h.
•
Discharge at 0.2 C
5
A down to 1.0 V/cell or
less.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and becomes contractual only after written confirmation by Saft.