S&C Instruction Sheet 766-540 31
The following maintenance procedures are recommended:
• Store batteries at room temperature. To maximize battery life, store all sealed lead-
acid batteries at or below room temperature. When in service, the battery will be
exposed to higher temperatures that impact its lifespan. However, proper storage
avoids accelerating the aging process.
• Keep batteries charged during storage. Sealed lead-acid gel-cell batteries usually have
a 6-month maximum shelf life. This means that they can survive shelf storage without
recharging for 6 months and not incur substantial damage. For storage longer than
6 months, periodic recharging is critical. With monthly recharging, sealed lead-acid
batteries can be stored for years without significant damage. Recharge the battery by
installing it in an operating communication module or by connecting it to a battery
charger. The Battery-Charger Output Harness, catalog number 007-001551-01, can con-
nect a SDA-4605 Battery Pack to a variety of commercially available battery chargers.
The best approach to battery storage is to maintain the smallest inventory possible
and rotate inventory to use the oldest batteries first.
• Test every battery before installation and use only those you know are good. The
service-call labor cost to replace a bad battery is usually more expensive than the
cost of a new battery. Line switches have a brief but large power requirement that may
exceed the capacity of a weak battery.
Battery Care and
Maintenance
Battery Management System
